Mousepad chessboards are similar in most aspects to other roll-up boards. Mousepads are typically priced higher than vinyl and silicone boards because of their superior quality.
Despite being less common recently, mousepad chessboards are the highest-quality choice overall.
Compared with other materials, mousepad boards excel in terms of longevity, durability, and resistance to creasing, making them the superior choice.
They can be folded, rolled, and unrolled easily without worrying about creasing, even after years of use. Cleaning dirt and spills is also possible, and they can be washed.
Here are some of the best Mousepad chess boards you can buy.
Large Soft Mouse Pad Tournament Chessboard
My top recommended choice of mousepad board is the Large Soft Mouse Pad Tournament Chess Board from the House of Staunton. I own several chess accessories from the brand, including their mousepad board, which I have owned for two years now.
With dimensions of 22 inches by 22 inches, rounded corners, and 2.375-inch squares, it is perfectly sized for tournament play. The board also has algebraic notation, which is a clear and easy-to-read chess and write moves.
Apart from that, the underside is non-slip and rubberized, meaning it will hold firmly to tables or playing surfaces.
Having spilled food, milk, ink, and other dirt on the board during these two years, I can confirm that it is easy to clean and completely washable.
Folding the board is also not an issue since it doesn’t crease, making it possible to roll it up for storage. Overall, it is thicker, softer, and a better choice than vinyl boards.
Key Features
- Easy to clean and maintain: You can easily wipe dirt and spills off the board. It is also completely washable, making it a joy to own.
- Tournament-sized: The 22-inch size makes it perfect for tournament players, and you can pair them up with larger 3.75-inch king size pieces without it feeling cramped.
- Durable and easy to store: The thickness of the board makes it very durable, and storage and transporting it are easy since you can roll or fold it.
- Affordable: Compared to wooden boards, this is an affordable option for the playing experience you can get from the board.
20″ Tournament Mousepad Chess Board with 2 1/4″ Squares
This ChessUSA tournament mousepad chess board is another awesome choice for chess enthusiasts.
Measuring 20 inches by 20 inches with a 2.25-inch square size and 0.7-inch thickness, it meets all FIDE and USCF regulations for tournament boards.
It is also labeled with Alpha-numeric notation, making it easy to write chess notations and study.
The ideal king base piece size for this board is between 1.75 inches and 2 inches. It can also be combined with either wooden or plastic chess pieces.
As with mousepad boards, it is slightly heavier and is perfect for outdoor play since it doesn’t slide over the table and grips firmly during intense time scrambles. Rolling, unrolling, and even folding the board is not an issue since it doesn’t crease.
Key Features
- Easy to clean and maintain: Since it is a mousepad, cleaning specks of dirt is easy, and washing doesn’t compromise durability or cause creasing.
- Tournament-sized: The 20-inch size makes it ideal for tournaments.
- Durable and easy to store: You can fold long-term without worrying about creases. You can also roll and unroll it easily, and it lays flat regardless of how you handle it.
- Affordable: Compared to other board choices, this ChessUsa mousepad board is easier on the pocket.
WE Games Mousepad Chessboard, 20 inches
This WE Games Mousepad Chessboard is another great choice for tournament players, meeting all FIDE and USCF regulations for tournament play.
Measuring 2.25 inches square, it is complete with algebraic notations, making chess study and writing notations easier.
The board also has a rubber backing on the non-playing surface, making it a great option for outdoor play since the rubber backing grips the playing surface, ensuring it will lay flat.
Choosing the wood grain pattern is recommended if you have wooden chess pieces, but you can select from various color options.
The board is fully washable and can be folded and rolled up without creasing, a characteristic typical of mousepad materials.
Key Features
- Affordable: It is a budget choice for chess enthusiasts looking for a chessboard.
- Tournament-ready: The 20-inch size is commonly used at tournaments, so this will fit right in place for serious chess matches.
- Durable and Portable: With proper maintenance, this mat lasts for years. Its foldable nature makes storage and transports effortless.
Macassar Ebony & Maple Floppy Mousepad Chess Board – 2.25″ Squares
The MousePad Chess Board from Thechessstore replicates the classic elegance of wooden boards, offering a timeless feel. Featuring a Macassar ebony and maple pattern printed on high-quality cloth, it lasts for years.
It measures 20 inches by 20 inches, with 2.25-inch squares and a thickness of 0.080 inches. It features rubber material on the underside.
The board can be rolled and unrolled without creasing and remains perfectly flat, regardless of how long it has been rolled up.
Key features
- Ideal size for tournament players: As expected, the 20-inch size is ideal for tournament play and meets all FIDE and USCF regulations.
- Durable and Lightweight: The quality of the board is great, so it will last with consistent play.
- Easy to maintain and clean: Like most mousepad boards, it is washable, and cleaning dirt is not an issue. It is also easy to store since it can be folded and rolled up.
Thin Mousepad Chess Mat (55mm squares)
You can purchase this Thin Mousepad Chess Board from Chess.co.uk, and it is available in different colors, with the common green and white being my preference.
Similarly, it’s ideal for blitz play since the rubber underside will ensure it won’t slide or move during play. Measuring 2.25 inches square, it meets all FIDE and USCF tournament regulations.
With a thickness of only 1mm, it is one of the lighter mousepad boards on the mat. As expected, it is washable, foldable, and rollable, and it stays flat even after folding.
For proper annotations, the board has algebraic notations, so it is easy to write out chess moves.
Key features
- Affordable: It is an affordable board choice compared to other materials.
- Lightweight design: Comparatively thinner than other mousepads in a similar price range, this thin chessboard is lighter and easier to carry around.
- Easy to clean and maintain: As expected, it can be washed, and cleaning dirt is also straightforward and possible.
Final Remarks
It is clear that mousepad chessboards offer a superior playing experience compared to other materials like vinyl or silicone.
They are durable, easy to clean, and maintain their shape without creasing even after years of use. Top Mousepad Chess boards, such as the Large Soft Mouse Pad Tournament Chess Board from the House of Staunton and the Chessusa tournament mousepad chess board, provide tournament-sized playing surfaces, affordability, and convenient storage and transport options.
Whether you’re a serious tournament player or a casual enthusiast, investing in a high-quality Mousepad chess board is a brilliant choice for a better chess-playing experience.