Speelbord

Speelbord, or game board, is the playing surface used in tabletop games to organize components and define valid moves. A speelbord is typically flat and unobstructed, often rectangular, though many boards use other shapes. It is marked with grids, paths, or zones that determine how pieces may be placed or moved during play.

Common examples include chessboards (an 8x8 grid), Go boards (a grid of lines for stones), backgammon boards (with tracks or lanes), and modular boards used for various strategy games. Some boards are designed to accommodate multiple games by using interchangeable layouts, tiles, or surfaces that can be flipped or reconfigured.

Materials for speelborden vary and include wood, cardboard, plastic, and other composites. Boards may be single-sided or double-sided, with different games on each face. Portable boards often use foldable sections or tile-based components to reduce bulk and weight.

Design considerations emphasize clear markings, durable construction, and compatibility with game pieces and rules. legibility of symbols, size of spaces, and stability during play are important. Digital equivalents refer to on-screen grids or maps where moves and actions are simulated on electronic devices.

In Dutch usage, speelbord is a generic term for the surface used in any board-based game, ranging from traditional, long-standing games to modern, casual, or educational activities. It encompasses both traditional boards and contemporary modular or themed layouts.