Abstract: A game board (20) for playing chess or checkers, and the like, for two or more players. Each side of the game board (20) has seven edge stations or playing squares, (e1) through (e7), of two alternating contrasting colors, seven first interior stations, (f1) through (f7), also of two alternating contrasting colors, seven second interior stations, (s1) through (s7), also of two alternating contrasting colors, and a central area (ca). In a preferred embodiment in the initial playing position a first castle occupies e1, a first bishop occupies e2, a first knight occupies e3, a king and a queen occupy e4, a second bishop occupies e5, a second knight occupies e6, and a second castle occupies e7.