Chess, usually regarded as the "game of kings," has a long history stretching back over a thousand years. A humble yet essential component of the game, - chessboard - has undergone significant evolution. How did it come to be, and why is plywood such a popular choice for crafting these elegant and neat grid boards?
The Origins of the Chessboard
‘Chaturanga’ or the game of chess as we know it today originated in India approximately in the 6th century AD. This early form was played on a square board divided into 8x8 smaller squares. As the game spread through Persia, the Islamic countries, and lately to Europe, the chessboard slightly evolved in design but kept its traditional format intact.
In medieval European countries, chessboards were mainly hand-carved into stone or precious wood, combining artistic ideas and functionality. As chess became soon popular among royalty and the noble men, chessboards reflected the symbol of wealth and were intricately crafted from exotic species, inlaid with ivory, mother-of-pearl, or marble.
The Rise of Plywood: Practicality Meets Design
The game against Ulrich Nehmert. Image courtesy: kasparovchess
Fast forward to the last century, and we notice the rise of plywood as a primary material for the construction of chessboards. So, why plywood?
It provides unique benefits for the construction of chessboards. Unlike solid wood, which expands or contracts with changes in humidity and temperature, plywood maintains its shape over time.
While traditional hardwoods like oak or walnut are quite expensive, plywood offers a cost-effective solution for mass-production and custom-made chessboards without sacrificing quality. It also allows a range of finishes—from modern, smooth, polished surfaces to ornamental textured designs that give a rustic or vintage feel.
Of course, for tournament-level chessboards, uniformity is crucial. In Europe plywood is manufactured to precise thicknesses and dimensions, ensuring each square is perfectly aligned. It allows chess players to focus on their game, not the quality of their board.
For example, the Bundesform chessboard was (and is!) a specific type of chessboard typically used in official German tournaments and national championships.
When it comes to the material used in constructing Bundesform boards, plywood is often chosen, mostly in the production of the core structure of the board. The core is usually covered with a veneer layer of high-quality wood (often maple, walnut, or beech) to give the chessboard an elegant appearance, while maintaining the required strength and uniformity.
Today, boards made from plywood are common in both professional and casual play. Many high-quality sets feature plywood boards, which often have a thin veneer of luxury wood to the surface to create the traditional look and feel of an exquisite wooden board.