Checkmate

Day to Day

Discover more about the iconic game of chess...

The 2024 World Chess Championship is currently underway in Singapore, running from Monday 25th November to Sunday 15th December. The highly anticipated event features a thrilling 14-game match between reigning champion Ding Liren and the young challenger, Gukesh Dommaraju. With both players at the top of their game, it promises to be an intense and captivating battle for the title. On today’s blog we are looking at the history of this iconic game.

Chess, a game with over 1,500 years of history, traces its origins to ancient India. From there, it spread through Persia and the Islamic world, eventually making its way to Europe by the Middle Ages.

It was during this time that chess began to take on its iconic form, with beautifully crafted games tables emerging as symbols of sophistication. Some of these tables are true works of art, made from rich materials like walnut, ebony, ivory, marble and mother-of-pearl, reflecting the refinement of the game itself.

In New York, chess has been a beloved park tradition since the 1940s. Today, in places like Union Square, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park and Central Park, you’ll find countless chess boards where players engage in thoughtful, sometimes competitive, matches. It’s a timeless activity that continues to bring people together, creating a sense of community and connection.

Photo: Word Press, Researching Greenwich Village History
Photo: Ted Heller

At our hotels, we share this passion for games and the way they unite people. Antique game tables are strategically placed in cosy corners, inviting guests to partake in friendly tournaments, engage in lighthearted rivalries, or simply spend a relaxing evening in conversation and laughter. These tables aren’t just pieces of furniture—they’re storytellers, adding warmth and character to any space.

We hope this blog has inspired you to bring a game table into your own home or perhaps incorporate the iconic checkerboard pattern into your décor. There’s something undeniably special about the way a well-loved game can transform a room, making it a place where memories are made and shared.