This is a set of game pieces that functions as a chess set and much more. The goal of the project is to create a universal set of games for someone interested in backpacking (or just traveling as a minimalist). The game pieces have chess markings on one side and other markings on the reverse side. This enables you to play a large variety of games (cataloged in the "book" attached - see the PDF and the EPUB). The other markings include an arrow (for directional motion in a game), dots (such as counters for 1,2,3), and various configurations. The pieces can also stand on edge. One of the highlights is the ability to play Quarto using the hexagon pieces.

The full kit includes:

+ These game pieces + A fabric chessboard (like this bandana from Looney Labs) or just a cut from a checkerboard fabric. Squares as small as one inch work (if you print the smaller 23.5 mm pieces). The lightest board will be a cotton blend with 1 inch squares (less than 5g!). + A deck of cards: Go with the "Hoyle Slice" cards). Many different smaller sets of cards have been tested, and these are less than half the weight of a standard deck and are actually shuffleable/playable. + Eight 8-mm dice, Twelve 5-mm dice; Many different dice sizes have been tested. 8mm dice are large enough to actually use as dice but weigh next to nothing. 5mm dice are not practical to roll as dice, but they make helpful numbered tokens, markers, etc.

This collection can weigh less than 100 grams in total! Using the small (23.5 mm) game set, the weight breakdown is:

+ Game pieces (19.1 g) + Dice (Eight 8mm+Twelve 5mm - ABS plastic) (5.7 g) + Cards (Hoyle Slice) (40.0 g) + Fabric chess board (60% cotton, 40% polyester, 1 in squares) (4.8 g) + Ziploc bags (1 small bag for dice, 1 small bag for cards, 1 bag for whole kit) (3.1 g)

Total: 72.7 grams for the entire kit! (2.56 oz). This game kit is compatible with an ultralight backpacking pack.

This is perfect to bring something like 40+ games "on the trail". It now includes instructions for Stratego, Splendor, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Forbidden Island! Also includes Coup, Resistance, Quoridor, Hive, Welcome to the Dungeon, and Quacks of Quedlinburg.

Enjoy this collection. If you have feedback about other games that could be included in the collection, feel free to make suggestions. There are some creative adaptations of games that you'll enjoy, especially if you have a slightly mathematical side to you (like binary Farkle). The collection will be updated here as games are added. It is always a work in progress! It has been enjoyed in airports, at campsites, and even off the grid in Alaska.