Abstract: A chessboard having a playing platform and a stage or table which together maintain the flatness of the playing platform despite changing humidity conditions is disclosed. The playing platform is fabricated from a plurality of wooden pieces that are cut to exhibit a radial grain, and adhered to adjacent wooden pieces so that the radial grain has a mirrored image to the immediately adjacent wooden piece. The playing platform is allowed to expand and contract without placing undue pressure on the stage or table, and vice versa (i.e., unconstrained).