The scene depicts three figures in ancient Egyptian-style clothing sitting on the floor, engaged in a board game. A man on the left, wearing a patterned kilt and a wide beaded collar, leans forward to move a piece on a low, arched table. Opposite him sits a woman with a yellow headcloth, observing the board intently while resting her hands near her knees. A second woman, dressed in a simple white garment with decorative trim, sits between them, leaning forward with a contemplative expression, her hands resting near her chin.
They are situated in an ornate, open-air room with high ceilings. A large, fluted pillar stands to the left, while the background walls are decorated with pale, stylized mural-like illustrations of plants and ritual objects. The floor is covered by simple mats, and the overall composition creates a quiet, focused atmosphere.
The artwork uses a warm, earth-toned palette, featuring soft ochres, dusty blues, muted yellows, and white. The lighting is diffuse and natural, casting soft shadows that highlight the figures' anatomical details and the folds of their clothing. The style is that of a classical, academic oil painting, characterized by precise detail, realism, and a serene, historical mood. A small decorative plaque at the bottom reads, "Egyptian Chess Players, Sir L. Alma-Tadema."