"So the tables have turned!"... What does that mean?!

[maverick_starstrider]

Seriously, what is the origin of this phrase? Is it like one of those rotating tables at dim sum, or does "turning" mean flipping over like in a gun fight? I don't know. My best guess is it's referring to gambling when there's like a losing blackjack table or something and then a person suddenly starts winning... Anyone know the origin of this phrase? Wait, is it, again at a gambling table, when the dealer and the player switch (since the position is allocated on the table)?

[russ_watters]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

[maverick_starstrider]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

Seriously? backgammon? Wow, I never want to use that phrase again.

[turbo]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.

[Jimmy Snyder]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.
Me too. When I found myself losing, I would just turn the table thus ending the game and maintaining my undefeated status.

[GeorginaS]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html
Handy dandy site.

[maverick_starstrider]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

Although I suppose it's allegedly the oldest surviving game.

[fluidistic]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.

I'd love to play with a grand master who would do this once per game :D