Book Of Traceable Heraldic Art

Game Board

See also: Gameboard in Pictorial Dictionary of Heraldry.

Alquerque Board §

A board for playing the 11th century Middle-Eastern game of Alquerque, or Qirkat, a game that preceded checkers. Brought to Spain by the Moors in the 13th C.

Attested period artifact, but not used in any period armory, nor yet registered in the SCA.

The lines must contrast with the board to be visible, and are blazoned separately, “an alquerque board tincture marked tincture.”

Source: Pennsic Traceable Art. Artist unknown. Adapted by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin.

Backgammon Board (1) §

A board on which to play the game of nardshir.

Default orientation: flat side to base. No proper coloration.

Source: Wappenbuch of the Holy Roman Empire. Artist unknown. (Page 774.)

Backgammon Board (2) §

A board on which to play the game of nardshir.

Default orientation: flat side to base. No proper coloration.

Source: Wappenbuch Fol 223. (Folio 65v.) Artist unknown. Adapted by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin.

Backgammon Board (3) §

A board on which to play the game of nardshir.

Default orientation: flat side to base. No proper coloration.

Source: Guillim’s Display of Heraldry. Artist unknown. (Edition of 1638, page 320.)

Chess Board §

A board on which to play the game of chesse.

Source: Wappenbuch of the Holy Roman Empire. Artist unknown. (Page 711.)

Nine Men's Morris Board §

A board for playing the ancient game of Nine Men’s Morris.

Dated to the Roman Empire, if not before.

The lines must contrast with the board to be visible, and are blazoned separately, “a nine men’s morris board tincture marked tincture.”

Attested period artifact, but not used in any period armory.

Twelve Men's Morris Board §

A board for playing the ancient game of Twelve Men’s Morris.

Known as Morabaraba in southern Africa.

The lines must contrast with the board to be visible, and are blazoned separately, “a twelve men’s morris board tincture marked tincture.”

Attested period artifact, but not used in any period armory.