An emotional strategy game

Checkmate
the Pattern™

For two · Truth moves · Deflection blocks

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vs
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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. Player 1 fills their card, hands the device to Player 2, then the game begins. Each card is sealed before the other is revealed — your personal questions stay private.
Long-distance? Two options: (a) share your screen on a video call (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, Meet) and play together, OR (b) create a remote room and each play from your own device.

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

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The Sacred Space Rules

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

Player 1 fills their card first, then hands the device to Player 2. Each player's questions stay private — they get shuffled into the deck anonymously when the game starts.

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

Current phase

The game is about to begin.

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.

♛

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

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Joining the session

What's your name?