The year that wasn't
COVID-19 cancelled plans for almost all of us, and Anthony's trip to Florida for some wood shop time was among them. We talked about making a clock - and one summer we might - but after watching The Queen's Gambit refreshed my interest in the game, I decided to build a board for him and Aubrey to use while whiling away their hours in isolation. I also made one for myself which would allow us to take advantage of one f the great features of chess - the ability to play remotely and at whatever pace we choose.
Dark squares are cut from hardwood samples acquired about 35 years ago and include walnut, wenge, purpleheart, rosewood, padauk, and cocobolo among others. The white squares are poplar, painted thinly with an ivory color, making the grain slightly visible; and leaving the impression of marble. The base board is made of eight "rails", sized to the squares, and two three-inch side aprons to hold the captured pieces. It all sits on a shallow turntable.