Intro
Autumn, All Saints, Halloween. For some, a night to play; for others, a pause to breathe. Three years ago I built a prototype chessboard and promised to personalize it for Halloween. It took time — perhaps I was waiting for new tools — and today I’m sharing a small, dark collection of images. Dark, not scary. Quiet, almost noir.
No ghosts. Only wood, light and geometry — the kind of mood you can actually craft in a workshop.
Why this dark mood works
Wood receives light like an instrument. The grid gathers shadow; the knight’s profile steps forward. With one warm source, a little air around the form, and restraint, a vertical board turns into a picture — yet stays a board for real play. Dark Halloween can be calm and thoughtful: not scary, simply focused. That’s the spirit here — a quiet noir rather than noise.
Image notes (Dark, not scary)
Some visuals were generated with AI. Today it’s just another tool — like a chisel, light or a camera. As a craftsperson I’m certain: each of these versions could be built in my workshop. Not easy, but possible.
You may use these images
Please feel free to use these images non-commercially — online, in chess clubs, at school, or at home. Share them, print them, pass them on. I’ll be very happy if you credit ChessboArt. And if you forget — this time it’s fine.
Gens una sumus (noir)
The old FIDE motto — Gens una sumus, “We are one family” — still sounds beautiful. It’s been used often, sometimes too lightly, yet the essence remains: chess connects people who would never otherwise meet. Wooden squares becoming bridges — that’s the quiet noir of our game.
A final note
The last weeks in chess felt dark; I mostly kept my head down and worked. One board here looks almost too realistic — I’m fine with that. In chess we don’t need ghosts. We can slow down and think — not only about moves, but about actions and direction.
I’ll focus on what I do best: making beautiful boards and images — in the real world, not only on a computer. Take care and have fun.
No commerce here — just gratitude to the community and a small invitation to slow down.