Anichess, a spell-infused Web3 chess game developed in collaboration with Animoca Brands, is adopting the $CHECK token as part of the broader Checkmate Ecosystem. $CHECK is the ecosystem’s native token, designed to power a network of games, generative-AI experiences, and educational content that reward strategy and creativity. Here’s what $CHECK does, why it matters, and how players can claim and use it.

What is $CHECK?

$CHECK is described in Anichess’s litepaper as “the Strategy Token for the Checkmate Ecosystem”, meaning it acts as the common currency across a network of games and creative tool. Rather than rewarding clicks or time spent, $CHECK aims to turn skill, learning and creative contributions into measurable on‑chain value. Checkmate Ecosystem notes that the token has a fixed supply of one billion, with over 59 % allocated to community and ecosystem growth .

Core purposes

The $CHECK token unlocks four main utilities across the Checkmate Ecosystem.

First, it serves as the entry fee for tournaments, and other skill‑based events. Players compete using $CHECK and receive rewards based on verified performance rather than mere participation .

Second, staking $CHECK on the Abstract chain generates Mate Points (M8). M8 points are non‑transferable tokens of progress that unlock gameplay perks, leaderboard status and exclusive cosmetics. Because they track consistency instead of speculation, players can claim these points daily while their tokens remain staked.

Third, beyond play, creators and educators can publish generative‑AI projects or educational content and earn $CHECK through community voting. This expands the token’s utility into creative and learning realms.

Finally, $CHECK holders will help guide the ecosystem through Checkmate Improvement Proposals (CIPs). Governance is designed to evolve from core‑team oversight into a decentralised model, gradually giving the community more control .

Bridging and liquidity

Claiming $CHECK on the Abstract chain does not automatically expose tokens to the open market.  Anichess operates on two chains: Abstract, a Layer 1 where users connect their wallet, view their allocation and stake; and Base, a Layer 2 network where trading and liquidity occur. To claim or unstake on Abstract, players need a small amount of Abstract‑native ETH for gas. At the TGE, trading will open on Base through the Aerodrome DEX under the Aero Ignition programme. To provide immediate liquidity, Anichess has seeded the USDC/$CHECK pool on Aerodrome with four percent of the total supply.  Those wishing to trade or supply liquidity must bridge their claimed tokens from Abstract to Base.

Understanding the staking pools

Claimed tokens can be staked to earn M8 points and additional $CHECK rewards. There are two staking options, each with different rules and incentives:

Queen of Time Pool (OG Pool)

The Queen of Time pool is reserved for dedicated early players. Only participants from Seasons 1–4 are allowed to enter. To join, stakers must commit their entire $CHECK balance at once; the rules do not permit partial staking or additional deposits later, and once a participant leaves, they cannot re‑enter.  While their tokens remain locked, players accrue Mate Points from a pool of 8 888 888 888 M8. After a three‑month lock‑up, those who stay to the end will split a 10 million $CHECK bonus, shared proportionally according to each staker’s contribution. This design rewards early adopters who are prepared to leave their stake untouched for the full period; the fewer players who remain, the larger each survivor’s share of the bonus.

Timewish Fountain (Public Pool)

The Timewish Fountain offers a more flexible approach.  Any player can join, stake or unstake whenever they choose and still accumulate Mate Points.  To encourage early participation, the launch period includes a “Stake 1, Get 1”promotion: for every 1 000 $CHECK you stake, you earn another 1 000 $CHECK spread evenly over four months. A bonus pool of 10 million $CHECK funds this offer and is distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis; once the pool is exhausted, later stakers still earn Mate Points and are placed in a queue should slots reopen.  A minimum of 1 000 $CHECK is required to participate in the promotion. While flexibility is a hallmark of this pool, unstaking early stops any future bonus payments. If rewards are restaked or additional tokens are added, the position is treated as a new entry and moves to the end of the queue.

Key differences

In essence, the two pools offer different incentives and commitments. The Queen of Time pool distributes a single bonus of 10 million $CHECK after three months; only those who remain staked to the end share this reward.  By contrast, the Timewish Fountain provides fixed “1+1” returns over a four‑month vesting period, available until its 10‑million‑token cap is filled. Eligibility and rules also diverge: the OG pool is limited to early players and demands a full balance commitment with no re‑entry, whereas the public pool welcomes any participant and lets them move tokens in and out at will, albeit with the caveat that early withdrawals halt bonus payments.

M8 points explained

M8 (pronounced “mate”) is the on‑chain point system for Anichess. It isn’t a tradeable token; instead, it tracks how consistently you participate in the ecosystem. Staking $CHECK is the main way to earn M8, but players can also earn M8 by completing various activities within the game and ecosystem. Unclaimed M8 points accumulate, and players can claim them during designated daily windows.

Why $CHECK matters

The Checkmate Ecosystem is built around the idea that strategy and creativity deserve on‑chain recognition. By tying token rewards to skill‑based gameplay, thoughtful decisions, creative projects and community governance, $CHECK aims to create a sustainable, merit‑driven economy. Checkmate Ecosystem emphasises that this model rewards quality engagement rather than clicks, and sees Anichess as the first step in a broader network of games and educational platforms .

As the TGE unfolds and more applications join the Checkmate Ecosystem, $CHECK will underpin tournaments, content creation, educational initiatives and governance.  Meanwhile, M8 points provide an additional layer of progression and access, ensuring that consistent participation—not just speculative holding—is rewarded.

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