Games for the visually impaired: chess and the best adapted board games
A good game for a visually impaired player is recognised by three things: strong contrast between the elements, large pieces or large characters, and lighting free of glare. Chess meets these criteria well with a large, high-contrast board. Other games are also suitable: large-print playing cards, dominoes, and puzzles with large pieces.
The criteria for a game suited to low vision
Visual impairment covers very different situations: damaged central vision, a narrowed visual field, glare sensitivity, and poor perception of contrast. The following criteria help in most cases.
- Contrast: black and white elements rather than grey or brown, clearly distinct sides, plain background.
- Size: large pawns, large cards, large print. Tall chess pieces are easier to identify.
- Lighting: even light, without reflections on the board (avoid a highly glossy varnished board).
- Tactile cues as a complement: relief, markings on the cards, pieces that can be told apart by touch.
Chess, a good candidate
Chess is a game of position: one looks at the whole, but can also explore square by square. With a large board and wide pieces, many visually impaired players continue to play for a long time. To find a comfortable chessboard, look at chess sets with large, high-contrast pieces: complete wooden sets feature pieces of varying sizes and contrasting squares. Always check the height of the king and the real contrast between the two sides, rather than relying on a photograph.
If the person can barely see anything any more, turn to the games for the blind page: relief then becomes more important than colour.
Table: games and adaptations
| Game | Useful adaptation | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Chess | Large board, tall pieces, highly contrasting sides; pieces with pegs for more reference points | Visually impaired, senior |
| Draughts | Large pieces, strongly contrasting squares | Visually impaired, senior |
| Card games | Large-print cards, very distinct colours | Visually impaired |
| Dominoes | Large dots, strong contrast; raised dots on some models | Visually impaired, blind |
| Puzzles | Large pieces, highly contrasting image | Visually impaired, senior |
Where to find specialist equipment
Several French organisations exist. The association AccessiJeux aims to make modern board games accessible to people with visual impairments, through raised stickers and Braille labels, and runs an online shop and a games library in Paris. The Association Valentin Haüy, founded in 1889, has been recognised as being of public utility since 1891 and offers services around specialist equipment. These organisations are mentioned for information only: this guide is independent and does not represent them. Always check the products available from each of them.
Playing together: a few simple tips
- Announce your moves aloud if the person cannot clearly make out the board.
- Keep the board and the lighting in the same place: the person gets used to their reference points.
- Avoid patterned tablecloths under the board.
- Suggest short games. Visual fatigue is real.
For digital games, the page online chess and screen readers presents the options.
Frequently asked questions
Which games suit a visually impaired person?
Games with large elements and strong contrast: large-format chess and draughts, large-print playing cards, dominoes with large dots, puzzles with large pieces. The right choice depends on the type of visual impairment (central vision, visual field, sensitivity to glare).
What activity can be enjoyed with a visually impaired person?
Adapted board games, listening or memory games, guided walks, or online games with a screen reader. Most importantly, ask the person what they can still see and what they enjoy.
What is the difference between a game for the partially sighted and a game for the blind?
A game for the partially sighted makes use of remaining vision (size, contrast, lighting). A game for the blind relies on touch or hearing (raised relief, Braille, sounds). Some games combine both adaptations.