Abstract: A chess instruction apparatus comprises a board defining a playing area consisting of an array of playing squares, and a plurality of playing pieces of opposing colors. Each playing square contains a spacial configuration of switches, the configuration being the same in each square, and each playing piece provides a set of switch actuating members positioned to engage selected ones of said switches when the playing piece is placed on the square, the switch actuating members being arranged in a coded configuration corresponding uniquely to the color and function of the playing piece. A plurality of display circuits are provided to display the pattern of control, each display circuit being assigned to a respective playing square and being operable to denote control of the square by a playing piece.