chessboards

Chessboards are flat, square playing boards used for the game of chess. The standard board is an eight-by-eight grid of 64 squares arranged in alternating light and dark colors. The board is oriented so that the right-hand corner closest to each player is a light square; from White’s perspective, the bottom-right square (h1) should be light, which makes a1 a dark square.

Boards vary in color, material, and construction. Common designs use light woods such as maple for the light squares and darker woods such as walnut for the dark squares, though modern boards are also made of plastic, laminate, or vinyl. Travel boards are often foldable or have magnetic or snap-in features for portability. Some boards carry coordinates along the edges to aid notation, while others rely on the standard algebraic system players already use to describe moves.

Size and standardization: In competitive play, square size is typically around 50 millimeters (about 2 inches), chosen to accommodate standard piece dimensions and comfortable maneuvering. Overall board dimensions usually fall in the range of roughly 40 to 50 centimeters per side, though exact measurements vary by manufacturer and purpose. Many clubs and tournaments specify a preferred material, contrasting colors, and edge labeling to ensure clarity under varied lighting.

History and use: The chessboard has been used since early forms of the game, with modern standardization emerging over centuries. Today, boards accompany a wide range of chess sets and remain a central element of both casual play and formal competition.