Dou Shou Qi - Jungle / Chinese Animal Chess - Travel Magnetic Set

My copy came with an edge of the metallic board surface bent inside - the bending was also lifting a corner, so I could see that it was no longer glued. This must have happened at the factory when the game was packed because the box was not damaged and the label, which kind of acted as a box seal, was also not damaged. I straightened the surface and I now have a mark where I pressed on it, but it sits fine on the plastic base. I got this game to take around on trips and play with my 5 year old, so I expect it will collect a lot more dents and scratches in that process - that is why I didn't bother to return it for a replacement. As a backup, I also got the other YMI model, so I can compare the two.This item has a larger board - over 2 inches wider and longer. The hinges are folding plastic rather than plastic hinges - the smaller model also had weird hinges, so it's hard to say that one is better than the other. The board surface is about the same quality for both - the damage I described above could have happened to the other item too, so I don't count it against this model. The pieces come in a nice storage box that is missing in the smaller version. The pieces are the biggest difference. The art is very different and which one you'll prefer is a matter of taste, but the pieces in this set don't use stickers (they are printed/painted) and their magnets are inside each piece, so they're unlikely to fall off unless the piece breaks - they also won't scratch the surface, although that is not much of a point given its quality. In the smaller set, the pieces come with a sticker sheet and you'll have to apply them on each piece. The printing on the stickers is not amazing either. Both sets are functional, but cheap - they'll last with care though.If you're trying to make up your mind between this set and the smaller one, it's down to size, piece art style, and piece quality. The first two are a matter of preference and when it comes to piece quality, this set is better. If you really like this game and want a nicer copy, go with the Deluxe version, also from YMI. It is higher quality, has sturdier pieces and a much nicer board.

They might call it "childrens chess" in China, but I already play this with 2 other guys at my club and we all like it as an alternative when regular chess gets boring. The art on the pices reall caters to kids, but there's no mistaking which piece is which. Good quality on the board and pieces, whic I've always come to expect from Yellow Mountain Imports. Worth every penny at this good price.

Great!

Great game..Don't know why it's not more popular.