In that sense then, Snuffy, when they say they've turned the table on you, it would usually indicate they had relegated you to the less honored category and served you on the rough side, is that right? 'Turning the tables' normally has a derogatory implication.

On the other hand, turning the table (or board) in chess makes a lot of sense to me. I like chess and it seems that usage should have occurred to me.