draughtboard
Definition
- Noun:
- A board for playing draughts: A "draughtboard" is a square board divided into 64 squares of alternating colours (typically black and white or red and white), used specifically for the game of draughts (known as checkers in American English). It is identical in structure to a chessboard but is used for a different game.
Usage Examples
- (He placed the board ready for a game of draughts.)
- (The board showed signs of age but could still be played on.)
Advanced Usage
- "draughtboard pattern": A pattern or design resembling the alternating coloured squares of a draughtboard, often used in textiles or flooring.
- The kitchen floor was laid in a draughtboard pattern of black and white tiles. (The tiles were arranged like a draughtboard's squares.)
Variants and Related Words
- Draughts (n): The game played on a draughtboard, also called checkers in American English.
- They played a friendly game of draughts after dinner. (They played the game using the draughtboard.)
- Draughtsman (n): A person who plays draughts, or a piece used in the game (also spelled "draftsman" in American English for the piece).
- He is a skilled draughtsman and rarely loses. (He is good at the game of draughts.)
Synonyms
- Checkerboard: The American English term for a draughtboard, used for the game of checkers.
- Gameboard: A general term for any board used for playing board games, though it lacks the specific meaning of a draughtboard.
Related Idioms
- "To move like a draughtboard piece": To act in a predictable, step-by-step manner, as in the game of draughts where pieces move diagonally.
- His career moved like a draughtboard piece — one step forward, one step back. (His progress was slow and methodical.)
Notes on Usage
- The term "draughtboard" is primarily British English. In American English, the equivalent term is "checkerboard." Both refer to the same board design (64 alternating squares), but the game names differ: draughts (British) vs. checkers (American).