What if a game's rule did not need to be written? What if it were carved directly into the material? That is the founding idea of ÉCHEC O CUBE, an abstract strategy game invented in Québec in 1999 by Alain Dupont.
A strategy game born in Québec in 1999
ÉCHEC O CUBE was born in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, in the Mauricie region. Its inventor, Alain Dupont, registered the copyright the same year with CIPO (Canadian Intellectual Property Office, No. 477714). For more than two decades, the game matured: 27 years of refinement for a concept unlike any other. Today, surrounded by Linda and the whole family, Alain is preparing the meeting between ÉCHEC O CUBE and the world.
“If the pawn fits and touches, the move is valid”
That is the whole philosophy of the game in one sentence. The board is a grooved plate; players insert pawns into it. When a pawn slides into a groove and touches a pawn already placed, the move is valid. Physics is the rule. No 40-page booklet, no exceptions to memorize: the material itself says what is allowed.
Three principles, no exceptions
1. Insert and touch. Each move consists of sliding a pawn into a groove until it touches another pawn.
2. Mandatory alternation. Two pawns of the same type never touch: a light pawn never touches another light pawn, a dark pawn never touches another dark one. Light and dark, however, fit together perfectly.
3. Closing an ÉCHEC O CUBE. When the four walls of a square are occupied, an ÉCHEC O CUBE is closed: the pinnacle of the game. A single well-placed move can close several at once, triggering spectacular chain reactions.
Want to learn more about the mechanics? Discover The Game page.
27 years of waiting, a family that believes in it
ÉCHEC O CUBE is not just a game: it is a story of patience and passing on. To understand the journey of the inventor and his family, read our About page. The game will be launched to the world soon, and a federation — the FEOC — is being built to structure tournaments and official titles.
Join the community before everyone else
In 2026, we are building the ÉCHEC O CUBE community. Sign up now to be notified first of the launch and enjoy founder conditions. You can also show your colours with our official store: t-shirts, embroidered caps and crossbody bags in the game's colours.
ÉCHEC O CUBE — Invented in Québec in 1999 — Copyright CIPO Canada No. 477714 — Alain Dupont.
0 comments