Gwenbaus made this for his princess. Lancelot later brought it to Guenevere.
The chessboard had pieces of gold and silver. When anyone began to move the pieces of one side, the opposing pieces would move automatically and soon checkmate the mortal player. The board was to retain this property until the death of the most graceful and best beloved knight, who alone would never be checkmated by it.
Guenevere, although an expert at chess, lost when she played on this board. Lancelot, however, won, so that the board was finally awarded to him. A precursor to computer chess…
See also
Chessboard | The Legend of King Arthur
Forest Perilous | The Legend of King Arthur