Matrix Chess 196 is played on a 196-cell tiling of pentagons and diamonds. The game takes its name from the matrix - the rock from which diamonds are hewn. It has an array of both traditional and purpose-built pieces, many of which may "merge" with other pieces to form compounds, either by capturing enemy pieces or by assimilating friendly pieces. The leaping pieces (such as the Knight) may convert enemy pieces to friendly pieces by leaping over them. Pawns and Guards work by acting as pincers - any enemy piece caught between two Pawns or two Guards is converted to a friendly piece. Even the King may be converted - this is equal to a checkmate.

Full instructions are included in the Readme file. The ZIP package also includes a "diagrams" folder. The diagrams, in GIF format, depict the movements of the pieces, with some explanatory material.