In chess and draughts (checkers) they're called 'pieces'. You'll also see 'chessmen' (but not 'draughtsmen' in this context or 'checkersmen').
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shininggirlIn games like chess for example, what do you call the beads?There is nothing in chess like "beads". Beads are small round objects, usually decorative, and often strung on a cord, e.g. for use as a necklace.
PeterT We roll boxcars.It would have been helpful if you had explained that term, Peter.