# How to Play

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## Core Gameplay

Anichess keeps the foundations of chess intact: castling, en passant, promotion. But there's no check or checkmate. You win by capturing the opponent's king. That move is called a Kingslay. There's no check warning, the king can move into danger, and stalemate doesn't apply.

Spells are the main feature in Anichess that allows the players to break traditional chess rules.

Before each match, both players will select 3 spells to be used for the match.

Standard Time Control : Blitz (5+2)

## Mana & Spells

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Spells are your second layer of strategy. Each has a mana cost and a cast limit per game. You earn 1 mana every turn you don't cast, up to a cap of 8.

Some spells reposition your pieces in ways traditional chess never allowed. Others break the rules outright, steal mana, or go straight for destruction.

You start with 7 spells unlocked. The remaining 7 unlock after completing your first 1-3 matches.

## Game Modes

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### Standard

This is where all the players begin. Rank up and challenge opponents. Earn M8.

Complete 15 Standard matches per week to earn M8, scaled to your rating class. The weekly mission resets every Monday at 00:00 UTC.

Rating tiers determine your matchmaking and M8 earning rate. See the Standard Mode / Rating section for full tier breakdown.

Earn M8 points to enter Checkmate Arena.

### **Checkmate Arena**

Enter with M8 and compete for $CHECK.

50 players are randomly selected every week to receive a minimum of 500 $CHECK each. The more matches you play, the higher your odds of being picked.

> Open daily: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM UTC
>
> Earn M8 by completing 15 Standard matches per week.

### **Gambit**

The ultimate high-stakes showdown. Winner takes all.

Both players buy in with $CHECK. Spells are randomly assigned from the same pool for both players, so no one enters with a preset advantage. You win by playing better with what you're dealt.

Reward pool: 1,000,000+ $CHECK per season 7.

See the full Season 7 section below for mechanics.

### **Custom**

Challenge a friend directly with your own rules. No rating impact.

### **Training**

Play against an AI opponent at four difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master.

### **Tutorial**

Learn the basics of Anichess: core rules, spells, and how the game works. Free to play, no account required.