STAR TREK PICARD AND NEXT GENERATION INSPIRATIONAL RESEARCH

The 7 of 9 system is inspired by a card set which was featured in the series Star Trek : Picard, as well as a connection with Star Trek Next Generation scenes in which 3 layered chess was played. For now, I wanted to share some of what ChatGPT said in my research, just a little more about these two games, for background reference information :

Absolutely — here’s a clear overview of the card game you’re remembering from Star Trek: Picard and where it fits in the Star Trek universe (based on what’s actually appeared in canon and in ancillary references).

🎴 Pixmit — The Romulan Triangular Cards

In the Star Trek universe (including Picard), there is a fictional set of triangular cards called pixmit (sometimes spelled pikhmit) that are explicitly Romulan in origin. These cards:

• Are triangular in shape, not rectangular.

• Were created and used by the Romulans in cultural and recreational contexts.

• Depict various Romulan cultural elements — things like mythical and symbolic figures from Romulan lore.

• Can be used for games, divination, or pattern-making (similar in-show to how tarot cards are used). (Memory Alpha)

Appearances in Picard

• In Season 1, Episode 3 (“The End Is the Beginning”), we see Soji Asha and a Romulan elder (Ramdha) working with what look like triangular tarot-style cards — pixmit. The cards are arranged in a kind of mandala or pattern, and Soji wonders whether they’re for fortune-telling, rearranging images, or mythological association. (Memory Alpha)

🟠 Zhamaq — The Romulan Strategy Game

According to expanded universe and fan discussions based on production notes:

• The Romulan triangular cards (pixmit) are used in a game called Zhamaq.

• Zhamaq is described as a three-player abstract strategy game involving:

  • A triangular grid board or play surface.

  • A three-player dynamic where each player holds a hand of five pixmit cards.

  • A combination of card play (which might influence tactics, luck, or special actions) and a mat/board with tokens representing strategic positions. (BoardGameGeek)

According to fan and prop notes:

• The cards influence movement or gameplay on the board.

• Some cards may have powerful effects (e.g., “instant death” mode in fan description — likely not officially published rules, but a fan interpretation tied to prop imagery).

• The game is said to emphasize alliances, counteralliances, bluffing, and strategy, blending elements of card play and board tactics. (The Trek BBS)

This game lore is not officially rule-booked anywhere in canon, but the concept has been discussed among fans and prop specialists familiar with how the show’s art department designed the cards.

🛸 How Often Has it Appeared?

So far, pixmit cards show up in Picard at least twice:

1. As triangular cards with symbols when Soji is with Ramdha organizing them. (Memory Alpha)

2. Implied to be part of Romulan culture, possibly predating the games themselves, as artifacts and objects of contemplation or play. (Memory Alpha)

Aside from Picard, there are no widely documented canonical appearances of this specific card set elsewhere — e.g., in The Next Generation or Deep Space Nine scripts directly — though there are other games in the universe (tridimensional chess, poker among the crew, sabacc-like anecdotes, Dejarik hologames, etc.). (Memory Alpha)

🚀 Summary of What We Know

Pixmit cards in Star Trek:

• Triangular shape — significant visual identity. (Memory Alpha)

• Part of Romulan culture — possibly centuries old. (Memory Alpha)

• Used for games and symbolic pattern work. (Memory Alpha)

Zhamaq:

• A three-player strategy game discussed by fans/prop notes using pixmit cards. (BoardGameGeek)

• Blends card effects and board strategy, though rules aren’t officially published. (The Trek BBS)

These elements make pixmit and zhamaq fascinating analogues to real-world card or tarot games — especially if you’re interested in symbolic play systems with multiple layers of meaning.

If you’d like, the next step could be exploring:

• What kinds of symbols appear on pixmit cards (in-universe descriptions and design cues)?

• How a three-player triangular game like zhamaq might function conceptually, even if rules aren’t officially published?

• Connections between pixmit/zhamaq and astrology, mythology, or symbolic systems — which might be particularly relevant given your own alchemical card project.

Just let me know which direction you want next!

Yes — the game you’re remembering in Star Trek: The Next Generation isn’t JUST an imagined scene from your memory — there are multiple episodes where characters play or are shown three-dimensional chess, but it’s important to pin down exactly when and with whom. Here’s what’s on-record:

♟️ 1. “Conundrum” (Season 5, Episode 14)

This is the most direct match to what you described.

• Scene: At the beginning of the episode, Data is shown playing three-dimensional chess with Counselor Deanna Troi in Ten Forward.

• In that scene, Troi actually beats Data, which is notable because Data is extremely strong at strategy games — and this result is explicitly commented on in the episode. (Academic Kids)

About the Episode

• The crew of the Enterprise–D suddenly loses their memories due to an alien interference.

• They don’t know who they are or why they’re on the ship, which creates a mystery they must solve.

• The chess scene is tone-setting: even without memory, Data displays his analytical bent, and Troi’s win adds character depth and subtle humor. (Academic Kids)

So this is likely the episode you remembered — not Riker or Picard playing, but Data vs. Troi in a real game of three-dimensional chess. (Academic Kids)

♟️ 2. “Menage à Troi” (Season 3, Episode 24)

In this episode:

• Riker is seen playing three-dimensional chess with a Ferengi at a diplomatic reception.

• This isn’t Data, but answers the theme of a senior officer playing three-dimensional chess onscreen. (Den of Geek)

♟️ 3. “The Nth Degree” (Season 4, Episode 19)

This is a related variation:

• Reginald Barclay — after being enhanced mentally by an alien probe — makes a brilliant three-dimensional chess move despite having had no prior skill, forcing what would be a checkmate in nine moves. (Fun Trivia)

This isn’t a full game scene like in Conundrum, but it does involve the game and an unexpected result.

🧠 Other Appearances of 3D Chess in Star Trek

According to canon sources (Memory Alpha):

• Commander William Riker has beaten other skilled players in three-dimensional chess.

• Sisko (in Deep Space Nine) keeps a 3D chess set in his quarters.

• 3D chess also appears casually as a cultural pastime in later Star Trek: Picard scenes. (Memory Alpha)

So the game is a recurring motif in the broader franchise — it’s not limited to TNG or your memory from Picard.

🧩 Why Three-Dimensional Chess Is Significant

Three-dimensional chess in Star Trek is used symbolically:

• It represents strategic thinking beyond the ordinary — high intelligence and foresight.

• It’s often linked to characters associated with logic or deep contemplation (Data, Sisko).

• Casual games reflect cultural or intellectual richness aboard starships. (Memory Alpha)

This is part of why your memory of it feels rich — Star Trek uses the game not just as a prop, but as a reflection of character and thematic depth.

📌 Summary: The Episode You’re Looking For

✔ Yes — the most likely episode you remember is “Conundrum”, where
• Data plays three-dimensional chess with Counselor Troi,
• and Troi wins — a memorable scene for fans. (Academic Kids)

Other relevant episodes with chess include:

• “Menage à Troi” (Riker vs. a Ferengi) (Den of Geek)

• “The Nth Degree” (Barclay plays) (Fun Trivia)

If you’d like, I can also describe *how three-dimensional chess is depicted visually on TNG (board layout, number of tiers, symbolic use) and how that might inspire structural ideas for your own triangular game. Just let me know!