The best reference is a second invitation. After presenting in Judit Polgár’s zone at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, ChessboArt returned—this time to the Global Chess Festival 2025 at the Hungarian National Gallery. Our vertical (wall-mounted) chessboard was featured on the main stage; we premiered a 4-player Bughouse table (Iroko + epoxy), and we dressed the venue with an oak tournament table (Staunton 6, 57 mm) and coffee–chess tables.
Key takeaways
- Main stage highlight: ChessboArt vertical board used as a striking visual element.
- New product: double table for Bughouse (4-player chess)—handcrafted from Iroko and epoxy.
- Playability: oak tournament table tuned for Staunton 6 with generous 57 mm squares.
- Experience: acacia & mango coffee–chess tables created a friendly upstairs lounge.
- Special request: engraved Queen Tray trophy for the best female player.
From invitation to the main stage
For a small studio, few things are as meaningful as being invited back. This year, the Global Chess Festival—hosted by Judit Polgár—gathered grandmasters, families, designers and creators inside the Hungarian National Gallery. Among paintings and sculpture, chess felt at home, and so did we.
Our vertical board was featured on the main stage during the program. Around the halls, our oak tournament table (Staunton 6) and coffee–chess tables set the tone for quiet games and conversations between events.
Bughouse: 4-player chess that’s social, fast and loud
Bughouse (known in Poland as kloc) is a lively 4-player variant played on two boards by two teams. Partners sit side-by-side and play opposite colors.
- Captured pieces are passed to your partner, who may drop them on their board as a normal move.
- Drops can deliver mate—yes, a checkmate by placing a captured piece is legal.
- Table talk is allowed—partners may advise each other (part of the fun!).
To make Bughouse truly enjoyable, we built a double chess table so both boards share a central axis and ergonomics. We chose Iroko hardwood for stability and tone, paired with epoxy resin for dimensional strength and visual depth. Surface finishing matches tournament standards; squares are 57 mm, the same size we use on our oak tournament table for Staunton 6.
Photo highlights (Hungarian National Gallery)
Watch the short
FAQ
Was the ChessboArt vertical board on the main stage the whole time?
It was featured on the main stage during the program. The stage hosted multiple segments, and our vertical board served as a striking visual element when in use.
What exactly is Bughouse (4-player chess)?
A 4-player team variant played on two boards. Partners play opposite colors; captured pieces are passed to the teammate who can drop them on the board—even to deliver mate. Table talk is allowed, which makes it social and fun.
What square size do you use for tournament play?
Our oak tournament table and Bughouse double table both use 57 mm squares—ideal for Staunton 6 pieces.
Can I order a custom coffee–chess table?
Yes—choose wood species, resin accents and dimensions. Contact us here: custom & press inquiries.
Where can I learn more about vertical (wall-mounted) chessboards?
Start with our guide: Vertical chessboards — complete guide.
Related reading & links
- Vertical (wall-mounted) chessboards — complete guide
- All guides — design, boards and care tips
- Browse all ChessboArt tables & boards
- Custom orders & press
Gratitude
Thank you to Judit Polgár, her foundation and the festival team. Showing our work inside the Hungarian National Gallery is a privilege; being invited back is the highest compliment.