"table" in plural (turn the tables)?

Hi! I wonder why "table" is in plural about the idiom -turn the tables. I have searched some info. about it via Google, but it does not really help me out completely. Thanks!

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Reverse a situation and gain the upper hand, as in Steffi won their previous three matches but today Mary turned the tables and prevailed. This expression alludes to the former practice of reversing the table or board in games such as chess, thereby switching the opponents' positions. [c. 1600]

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Turn the tables

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anglika

Turn the tables

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Hi Anglika,

Thank you for your help. I've understood. Thus, I will not lose a table in my writing. :-D

Backgammon is the key. Thanks Anglika.