Metamate — Game Rules
The Meta is a training chess piece that copies the movements of adjacent pieces. Here is how it works.
01Core principle
The Meta has no movement of its own. It acts solely by imitating the movements of adjacent allied pieces (and enemy pieces in its ultimate form M4).
0
Own movement
5
Configurations
4
Evolutions
●Isolated, it cannot move
●It copies movements, not identity — even when copying a King, it cannot be put in check
●The copy is ephemeral: recalculated every move
02Configurations
The Meta exists in 5 configurations. Each defines its copy directions and the type of pieces it can copy.
M1 — M1
Copies the 2 adjacent squares according to its orientation: left/right or forward/backward.
Replaces
Pawn
Directions
2 directions
Copy
Allies only
Evolution
M2.1 or M2.2 (player's choice)
M2.1 and M2.2 are interchangeable: a Knight or a Bishop can become M2.1 (orthogonal) or M2.2 (diagonal) at the player's choice.
03Formation phase
Before the game begins, each player (White then Black) replaces a piece with a Meta.
Remove a standard piece (except the King)
A Meta appears in its place, in the corresponding configuration
Choose orientation (M1 on ranks 2/7 only)
Correspondence
Pawn
M1
Knight
M2.1 or M2.2
Bishop
M2.1 or M2.2
Rook
M3
Queen
M4
King
Forbidden
04Copy mechanics
On each move, the Meta looks at adjacent pieces in its copy directions. For each piece found, it temporarily acquires its movements.
The copy is ephemeral — recalculated every turn
The Meta can copy multiple pieces at once (movements are cumulated)
M1 to M3: allies only — M4: allies + enemies
A Meta cannot copy another Meta
Copying a King does not make the Meta vulnerable to check
Example
An M1 (left/right) with a Pawn on its left and a Knight on its right can move like a Pawn or like a Knight. Movements are cumulated.
La copie
Le Meta M1 copie le pion a sa gauche. Jouez un coup de pion avec le Meta.
Cumul des copies
Le Meta M2.1 copie le pion ET le cavalier. Capturez la tour avec un saut de cavalier.
05Evolution
The Meta evolves when it captures an enemy piece. Each capture raises it by one level.
M1
2 dir.
M2.1
4 ortho.
M2.2
4 diag.
M3
8 dir.
M4
8 dir. +E
Choice at M1: when an M1 captures, the player chooses between M2.1 (orthogonal) and M2.2 (diagonal). The game pauses until the choice is made. The colors on the board show the copyable pieces for each option.
●Evolution is immediate after the capture
●M2.1, M2.2, M3 evolve automatically (no choice)
●M4 is the final form — captures no longer change anything
●Evolution changes copy directions, not position
L'evolution
Le Meta M1 copie le pion. Capturez le pion noir — le Meta evolue en M2.1 !
06Special moves
Classic moves transmitted
Pawn double step
If the Meta copies a Pawn that has not yet moved, it can advance two squares.
En passant capture
A Meta copying a Pawn can capture en passant under the usual conditions.
Meta-Castle
A Meta copying an unmoved Rook or King can participate in castling, even if the Meta has already moved.
Exclusive Meta moves
Meta-Bridge
M4 only. If an M4 is adjacent to an enemy Meta, it copies the pieces that the enemy Meta can copy. Chain: M4 → enemy Meta → copyable pieces.
Meta-Mate
A checkmate delivered by a Meta. A Meta and its King can checkmate an opposing King on their own.
Triple check
Three pieces simultaneously threaten the King — a first in chess history, made possible by the Meta.
Le Meta-Roque
Le Meta copie la Tour. Roquez avec le Roi — le Meta remplace la Tour !
07Promotions
The Meta enriches promotion mechanics with 4 additional types.
By advancement
The Meta reaches the last rank by copying a Pawn
By propulsion
The Meta reaches the last rank via another piece and copies a Pawn there
By charge
A Pawn joins a copyable square of a Meta already on the last rank
Double promotion
An isolated Meta + an arriving Pawn: both are promoted simultaneously
Pawns can also be promoted to Meta (in addition to classic promotions).
08Check, mate and stalemate
Check
A Meta can give check by copying a piece that threatens the opponent's King. The Meta itself can never be put in check.
Checkmate
Standard rules. A Meta and its King alone can checkmate an opposing King (Meta-Mate).
Stalemate
Standard rules. An isolated Meta (with no adjacent pieces) contributes to stalemate if it is the only mobile piece.
Triple check: three pieces simultaneously threaten the King. Only a King move can parry a triple check. Discovered by Eric Delpin (February 2026).
M4 : copie ennemie
Le M4 copie meme les ennemis ! Copiez le cavalier noir pour capturer la dame.
★Strategic principles
The Meta is a limiter
It forces you to think differently and to protect synergies between pieces.
Isolation is fatal
A Meta alone cannot do anything — keep adjacent pieces nearby.
Evolution rewards aggression
Each capture strengthens the Meta. Play offensively.
Formation is strategic
The choice of the replaced piece and configuration defines the entire game.
Ready to play?