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When did non-white chess pieces change from red to black, and why? | Notes and Queries


YESTERYEAR

When did non-white chess pieces change from red to black, and why?

Brenda Boyd, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

  • Red chess pieces (or any other board game) slowly fell out of favour as memories of the War of the Roses fell away. Also ebony became a favourite because of its hardness and fine grain.

    VicTheBrit, Nara, Japan

  • I bought a brand new chess set this year with red and white pieces.

    Ed, Weymouth UK

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Jenniffer Sheldon

Update: 2024-07-09