When dealing with a static game board, what are some methods to make it more interesting?

Let's say you have a game board that you look at. It does not move but there is some action going on. For example Chess, Checkers, Solitaire. The game I'm working on is not one of these but it's a good reference.

What are some methods you can apply to the game or the design that increases the appeal of the game to the user?

Of course you can make it prettier but what are some other methods you can use?

For example: Visual cues, game design changes, user interface arrangement, etc.