An emotional strategy game

Checkmate
the Pattern^™

For two · Truth moves · Deflection blocks

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A two-player game of honest strategy. You progress only when you choose truth. The board reflects how willing you are to be seen — and to see.

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How to play

In the same room? Both players use one screen together. The game manages whose turn it is.
Playing remotely? Share your screen on a video call — WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom or Meet. One person hosts, both play from the same view. Or try our room link (beta) →

⏱ 30–60 minutes · If the sacred space opens up, allow longer

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The Sacred Space Rules

What is said here stays here

Nothing from this game becomes ammunition. Not tonight. Not next week. Not in a future argument. Agree to this before the first piece moves.

Listen to understand — not to respond

When your partner speaks, actually listen. The game disables your buttons for a reason. Use that time to hear them, not prepare your counter.

No arguing the verdict

If your partner marks your answer as deflection — take a breath. The label is not an attack. It is an invitation to go deeper. You will get the chance.

You may always pass — once

Each player may say "I need a moment" once per game. The game pauses. No penalty. No pressure. Then you return.

The game only works if both are willing to be seen

One player's willingness does not carry the game. Both have to show up. That is the whole point.

We have read the Sacred Space rules and agree to hold this game with care — both of us.

Build your decks

Each player chooses a topic and writes 2 personal questions. These are shuffled in — your partner won't know which are yours.

Player 1

Choose your topic

Your personal questions (hidden from partner)

These will be shuffled into the deck anonymously.

Player 2

Choose your topic

Your personal questions (hidden from partner)

These will be shuffled into the deck anonymously.

Player 1

Waiting…

♛ Breakthrough

Draw a question to begin.

Player 1 → ← Player 2

Player 10%

Player 20%

Player 2

Waiting…

♛ Breakthrough

The game is complete

You made it through.

Closing ritual

If this game opened something

The patterns you explored today are at the heart of Who Told You That?. The book goes deeper — with tools for continuing this work on your own and together.

Explore the book →

The game is paused.

Take a breath. There is no rush. This is the most important part — not the questions, but the willingness to return to them.

Check in with each other

Say one word about how you're feeling right now — not about what was said, just how you are in this moment. Then listen to your partner say theirs.

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A breakthrough.

Three honest answers in a row. Something has shifted. You have earned the right to go deeper.

↩ Ask backward ⤵ Skip deeper 🛡 Protect partner

Invite someone to play

Voice call

Start a call with players

Prefer your own call? Use WhatsApp / FaceTime →

Joining the session