Very few games carry the authority of chess and backgammon. Played in private members’ clubs, country houses and cafés alike, it has long been regarded as a pursuit of patience, discipline and intellect. The appeal of chess lies not only in the game itself, but in the traditions that surround it, the ritual of setting the board, the weight of a piece and, importantly, the sportsmanship of the game.
To understand the lasting fascination for the game, it is worth looking at the history of chess boards and seeing how they have evolved over 1500 years.
Origins of the Game
Chess is believed to have originated over a thousand years ago, developing from earlier strategy games played in India and Persia before spreading across Europe. As different cultures picked up the game, it began to be adapted, and it was being shaped by different cultures, yet somehow not losing its original character. A game of foresight and outplaying your opponent, rather than speed.
By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, chess had become firmly embedded in European society, played in salons, libraries and gentlemen’s clubs. The board itself began to reflect this growing prestige, moving from functional surfaces to finely crafted objects made from woods, stone and, eventually, leather.
Today, the traditions of chess remain largely unchanged. The familiar arrangement of sixty-four squares still provides the stage for a game that rewards patience and composure.
Chess in Modern Culture
In recent years, chess has experienced a renewed appreciation, helped in part by tv shows such as The Queen’s Gambit, which enabled a new generation to explore the game and lockdown, where many sort out entertainment away from the TV. At the highest level, champions such as Magnus Carlsen continue to demonstrate how enduring and compelling the game remains.
Yet beyond competition and television, chess retains its quieter appeal: two players, a considered pace, and the pleasure of a game played without distraction.
How to Set Up a Chess Board?
Setting up a chess board correctly is simple, yet symbolic. In our workshops, we always work with ‘light on the right’, so when the board is being created, it is set so that the lightest colour square is always on the bottom right.
The pieces are arranged in their traditional order: rooks at the corners, knights beside them, then bishops, with the queen placed on her own colour and the king beside her. Pawns form the front rank, creating the opening line of defence.
A Geoffrey Parker set will always have two queens, ready for when a pawn is promoted. At the start of the game, this doesn’t need to be added to the board.
This small moment of preparation marks the beginning of every game.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The character of a chess board is defined by its materials. Traditional hardwoods such as walnut, ebony and magnolia create contrast and warmth, while leather introduces a softer, more tactile surface that develops a story of its own over time.
A leather chess board, in particular, requires a level of precision that we are experts in, as it was the first game we created at Geoffrey Parker. Each square of the board must be cut and finished by hand, edges cut straight and perfectly to ensure seamless joins, leather thickness and surfaces are carefully inspected so that the finished board feels perfect. The process is guided by the understanding that the smallest details enhance the enjoyment of the game. Any mistakes can be spotted and act as a distraction during the game.
Weighted and hand-carved playing pieces enhance this sense of balance, but they also play a part in the sportsmanship of the game.
The Benefits of Playing Chess
Beyond its heritage, chess offers enduring personal rewards and growth. The game encourages concentration, patience and strategic thinking, while providing a rare opportunity to disconnect from the pace of modern life.
Playing regularly can sharpen your memory and problem-solving skills, but just as importantly, it takes you away from screen time, rests your eyes and clears your mind. A chess board placed within a room as an art piece often invites spontaneous games and conversation, drawing people together in a way few objects can.
The Prestige Of Chess
There has always been a certain quiet prestige associated with chess. Whether played in a private members’ club, a hotel lounge, or elsewhere, the presence of a chess board opens up opportunity.
It is not a pursuit reserved for professionals or grandmasters; it is a game that welcomes anyone willing to learn its rhythms. For those drawn to a more considered way of living, chess offers a natural place to begin.
From Tradition to the Present Day
Today, the chess board continues to evolve, shaped by modern design while remaining rooted in centuries of tradition shaped by the history of the chess board. The finest examples are still made by hand, using techniques refined over generations and materials chosen for both beauty and durability.
A well-crafted board is not merely a game, but an object intended to be lived with, displayed, played and eventually passed down.
For those who value heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring pleasure of thoughtful leisure, exploring the world of finely made chess boards can be the beginning of a lasting appreciation.
When the moment feels right, discovering a chess board that reflects one’s own taste and surroundings can quietly transform both a room and the time spent within it. Explore our collection of handcrafted leather chess boards or speak with our team if you would like to learn more.