Anichess is a free-to-play Web3 chess game that adds a layer of strategic and magical elements to classic chess. Developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com, the game features spells that players can cast to alter the course of a match.
What is Anichess?
Anichess is a Web3-based chess game developed by Animoca Brands and partnered with Chess.com. The $CHECK is its native utility token, used for in-game economy, governance, and rewards. Anichess adds strategic layers to traditional chess, such as spells and puzzles, with the $CHECK playing a key role in its expanding ecosystem, including a community-driven game-building platform called VibeCheck.
Players can solve spell chess puzzles, compete against each other, and craft their own spells (coming soon) to battle and climb the ranks. Their unique spell layer adds depth and unpredictability to the game, making it engaging for everyone including novices and grandmasters.
Core Gameplay of Anichess
While Anichess maintains the fundamental movement of chess pieces, its core objective and mechanics differ significantly.
- Kingslay victory: The objective is to capture the opponent's king. There is no "check" warning, and a king can be captured like any other piece.
- No stalemate: Since victory is defined by capturing the king, stalemates do not exist in Anichess.
- Draws: Draws can still occur if the same board position is repeated three times, or after 50 consecutive moves without a pawn moving or a piece being captured.
Spells & Mana System
Instead of a regular chess move, a player can choose to cast a spell.
- Mana acquisition: Players gain one mana at the end of each turn that they do not cast a spell, up to a maximum of eight.
- Spell costs: Each spell has a specific mana cost and may have a limit on the number of times it can be cast per match.
- Spell loadouts: Before a match begins, players select their spell loadout. The "Lite Mode" offers one spell, while "Classic Mode" provides three.
- Diverse spell effects: Spells can have a wide range of effects, such as moving a piece in an unusual way, transforming a piece into another, or even creating a new pawn.
Key Features of Anichess
Key features of Anichess ($CHECK) include:
- Multi-Game Ecosystem Integration: $CHECK serves as the core token across the Checkmate Foundation network, enabling shared rewards and unified token economics across various strategy games, not limited to chess.
- Performance-Based Distribution Model: Token issuance is tied to player engagement metrics and released gradually. This approach supports consistent gameplay activity and discourages speculative trading behavior.
- Endorsement from Magnus Carlsen: The project is officially supported by five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen and other grandmasters, lending strong credibility within competitive gaming communities.
Web3 and ecosystem rewards
As a Web3 game, Anichess incorporates blockchain elements to reward players and establish a community-driven economy.
- M8 points: Players earn "M8" points for completing quests and playing matches. These points are tracked on the Base blockchain and can be exchanged for in-game rewards like cosmetics or access tickets.
- CHECK token: The ecosystem features a $CHECK, used for governance and premium features, with an airdrop planned for players who have accumulated M8 points.
- NFTs: The game has a Genesis NFT collection called "Ethernals," which provides special allocations for early supporters.
- Creator economy: An upcoming "Anichess Sandbox" will allow users to design and test custom spells and game rules, with access potentially gated by the $CHECK.
Game Mode of Anichess
Anichess offers various game modes to suit different playstyles, from casual matches to more competitive, ranked games:
- Quick Match: Enjoy a fast-paced game without affecting users Rating. This mode is ideal for casual play, allowing to experience the thrill of Anichess without the pressure of rankings.
- Ranked Match: Compete and climb the leaderboard with Glicko2-based Rating system, designed to reflect player true skill level. Each match impacts players Rating, with higher stakes when facing opponents of different skill levels. Before entering Ranked Matches, players must first play 5 Quick Matches to familiarize themself with the game mechanics.
- Friend Match: Challenge a friend directly in a private match. This mode offers a personalized game experience, perfect for friendly competitions, without affecting the Rating.
- Train with Bot: Practice against an AI opponent with four difficulty levels - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master.
How does Anichess Work?
Anichess ($CHECK) is structured around its upcoming token generation event and the launch of its ecosystem.
- Tournament Entry System: Players stake $CHECK to enter competitive matches. Winners earn additional tokens based on performance rankings.
- In-Game Marketplace: $CHECK is used to purchase premium features, cosmetic upgrades, and exclusive magical abilities within the game platform.
- VibeCheck Community Proposals: Token holders can submit and vote on new game concepts for the Checkmate ecosystem. Approved proposals receive development funding.
- Staking Rewards Distribution: Active players earn $CHECK by completing daily puzzles, participating in ranked matches, and engaging in community activities.
- Ecosystem Vision: By combining blockchain-based chess innovation with partnerships like Chess.com and Animoca Brands, Anichess ($CHECK) aims to build a sustainable and influential presence in the crypto gaming space. The token is designed to align player engagement with long-term ecosystem growth.
$CHECK Information
$CHECK Key Metrics
- Token Name: Anichess
- Ticker: $CHECK
- Token Type: Utility, Rewards, and Governance
- Token Standard: ERC-20 (Base)
- Total Supply: 1,000,000,000
- Initial Circulating: 18% of the total, offered during token sale. 100% unlocked at TGE, which occurred in October 2025.
- Contract Address (CA): TBA (Post-TGE)
$CHECK Use Case
Here are the primary use cases for $CHECK:
- Gameplay Utility: $CHECK is used for tournament entry fees, purchasing in-game items, and unlocking features like the Anichess Sandbox.
- Community Governance: Token holders can propose and vote on new game ideas and ecosystem decisions through the VibeCheck system.
- Player and Creator Rewards: Players earn $CHECK through gameplay and M8 points, while creators can receive tokens for producing chess-related content.
- Cross-Game Integration: $CHECK supports a shared economy across multiple strategy games within the Checkmate Foundation.
$CHECK Airdrop
The $CHECK airdrop will reward users who actively support and engage with the Checkmate and Anichess ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria:
- M8 Points: Earned through missions and matches in Anichess; key factor in airdrop allocation.
- Genesis Ethernals NFT Holders: Guaranteed a share of the airdrop (10% of total supply), with token amounts based on NFT rarity.
- Genius Points: Tracks on-chain activity and in-game performance to help determine airdrop levels.
Timeline: The airdrop is scheduled to take place after the Token Generation Event (TGE), expected in Q4 2025.
$CHECK Listing
Here are the key listing details for $CHECK:
- Listing Time: Q4 2025, following the Token Generation Event (TGE).
- Confirmed CEX Listings: TBA
- Pre-market Price (Whales Market): TBA
A $CHECK pre-sale was held in September 2025, raising $700,000 and distributing 18% of the initial circulating supply. Exchange listings will be announced closer to launch. Whales Market will monitor pre-TGE trading activity.
Anichess Tokenomics & Fundraising
Tokenomics
The tokenomics of $CHECK are designed to incentivize long-term participation and reward players who contribute to the ecosystem.
- Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 $CHECK tokens.
- Token Allocation:
- Community Allocation: A significant portion (over 55%) is reserved for the community.
- Token Sale: 18% was allocated for the public token sale held in September 2025 on Kaito Capital Launchpad.
- Genesis NFT Holders: 10% is reserved for holders of the Ethernals NFT collection.
- Team & Advisors: The remaining supply is allocated to the team and advisors, with a vesting schedule to ensure long-term commitment.
While a total supply of 1,000,000,000 $CHECK has been referenced in some reports, and details regarding a public sale have emerged, the project has not yet published official, detailed tokenomics. Whales Market will track updates from Anichess's official X account and provide latest tokenomics information.
Vesting schedule
Unlike many projects that have a long lock-up period, the tokenomics for $CHECK feature a significant initial unlock.
- Public Sale: All tokens purchased during the token sale were unlocked 100% at the Token Generation Event (TGE).
- Team & Advisors: Vesting details for the team and advisors are not fully public, but are designed to align incentives with the long-term success of the ecosystem.
- Airdrops & Rewards: Community reward tokens will be distributed over time to incentivize sustained engagement rather than single-event participation.
Fundraising
Anichess has raised a total of $3.3 million through two private funding rounds, including a $1.5 million seed round in June 2023 led by GameFi Ventures and a $1.8 million round in April 2024 led by Sfermion and Amber Group. The funds were used to support game development, marketing, and the upcoming integration of their native token, $CHECK, which has a Token Generation Event (TGE) planned for Q4 2025. Additionally, a public token sale in September 2025 on Capital Launchpad generated $700,000.
Anichess Roadmap & Team
Roadmap
- April 2025: The M8 on-chain point system was introduced to reward active players.
- July 2025: The Genesis Ethernals NFT collection launched, offering holders special perks and future $CHECK allocations.
- September 2025: A $CHECK pre-sale raised $700,000, distributing 18% of the initial circulating supply.
- Q4 2025: Ranked matches, quick play, puzzles, and bot training are live. PvP mode and the M8 point system are active on Base. Season 4 launched with leaderboard integration and reward pools. And, the $CHECK Token Generation Event (TGE) is scheduled. Airdrop eligibility will be based on M8 points, Genius Points, and NFT holdings.
- Later: Launch of Anichess Sandbox for custom spells and game rules. VibeCheck governance system enables community-driven proposals and voting. Expansion of strategic titles under the Checkmate Ecosystem.
- Beyond 2025: Full integration with Base blockchain continues. $CHECK becomes the unified token across multiple games, powering gameplay, creation, and governance in a decentralized ecosystem.
Core Team
- Brian Chan: Head of Anichess
- Chevan Tin: Product Lead
- Tom Ho: Technical Project Lead
- Moon Ryu: Community Lead
More information, please visit anichess.com/about.
Conclusion
Anichess ($CHECK) redefines chess by blending traditional gameplay with innovative Web3 mechanics, magical spells, and a community-driven ecosystem. Backed by Animoca Brands, Chess.com, and Magnus Carlsen, it offers engaging game modes, a rewarding $CHECK system, and the upcoming Anichess Sandbox for player-created content.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, not investment advice, and Whales Market is not responsible for any of your investment decisions.
FAQs
What is Anichess?
Anichess is a Web3-based chess game developed by Animoca Brands and partnered with Chess.com. It adds strategic layers to traditional chess, such as spells and puzzles.
What is the native token of Anichess?
The native token is $CHECK, used for for in-game economy, governance, and rewards.
What is Anichess ($CHECK) pre-market price?
Currently, $CHECK hasn't been listed on Whales Market yet, so users can trade $CHECK when it officially lists. Whales Market is the leading pre-market DEX platform to trade pre-TGE tokens and allocations, with over $300 million in volume, no middlemen, trustless and on-chain.
What is the price of Anichess ($CHECK) today?
$CHECK does not yet have an official market price since it has not been listed. However, you will soon be able to trade it on the leading pre-market platform, Whales Market. Here, you can buy more $CHECK or sell to take profit before it is officially listed on CEXs like Binance or Bybit.
How much has Anichess ($CHECK) raised?
Anichess has raised a total of $3.3 million through two private funding rounds, including a $1.5 million seed round in June 2023 led by GameFi Ventures and a $1.8 million round in April 2024 led by Sfermion and Amber Group. The funds were used to support game development, marketing, and the upcoming integration of their native token, $CHECK, which has a TGE planned for Q4 2025.
What is $CHECK tokenomics?
$CHECK has a total supply of 1,000,000,000 tokens, allocated as follows: over 55% for the community, 18% for the public token sale held in September 2025 on Kaito Capital Launchpad, 10% for Genesis NFT Holders (Ethernals), and the remaining supply for the team and advisors with a vesting schedule to ensure long-term commitment.