chess-board
Definition
Noun: A chess-board is a square board divided into 64 alternating light and dark squares, used for playing the game of chess. It is the physical or digital surface on which chess pieces are placed and moved.
Usage Examples
- (The physical board used for the game.)
- (Describing the visual layout of the board.)
Advanced Usage
"to control the chess-board": to have strategic dominance over the game's positions.
- A skilled player knows how to control the chess-board from the opening move. (To dominate the board's key squares.)
"to sweep the chess-board": to win all pieces or achieve a decisive victory.
- The grandmaster swept the chess-board clean, leaving only his king. (To remove all opposing pieces from the board.)
Variants and Related Words
Chessboard (alternative spelling): same as chess-board, often written as one word.
- The electronic chessboard highlights possible moves. (A digital version of the board.)
Chessboard pattern (n): a pattern of alternating colored squares, similar to a chess-board.
- The floor was tiled in a chessboard pattern. (A design resembling the board.)
Synonyms
- Board: a flat, rectangular surface for games.
- Game board: a general term for any board used in board games.
Related Idioms
Chessboard of life: a metaphor for strategic decision-making in life.
- He sees every career move as part of the chessboard of life. (Life as a strategic game.)
To play on a level chess-board: to have equal opportunities or conditions.
- Both teams started on a level chess-board, with no advantages. (Fair and equal starting conditions.)