Memory Match
Shortcuts: Ctrl+P pause · Ctrl+M sound · Enter play again
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Resets every Monday (UTC).
About Memory Match
Memory Match is the classic card-flipping game. A grid of face-down cards hides pairs of identical symbols such as circles, stars, hearts and crosses. You turn over two cards at a time, and if they match they stay revealed. If not, they flip back and you have to remember where they were. It trains short-term memory more than reflexes.
It suits all ages and is easy to pick up, with a game taking two to five minutes depending on the board. You choose from three sizes before you begin, so beginners and experienced players can both find a fit. A good result is clearing the board with few wasted flips and without taking too long.
How to play Memory Match
- Choose a board: Easy is 3 by 4, Medium is 4 by 4 and Hard is 4 by 6.
- Flip any card, then flip a second card to look for its twin.
- A matching pair stays face up, while a mismatched pair turns back down after a short pause.
- Keep track of what you have seen so far, and use it to pair cards on later turns.
- The game is complete when every pair has been found. There is no way to lose, only to finish faster or slower.
Controls
| Keyboard and mouse | Click a face-down card to flip it, then click a second one. Pick Easy, Medium or Hard from the menu with the mouse before you start. |
|---|---|
| Phone and tablet | Tap a card to turn it over, then tap another. The cards are large enough for easy tapping on a phone. |
Scoring
Your score starts at 150 points for each pair on the board. You lose 25 for every extra attempt beyond the minimum, where one attempt is one pair of flips, and 2 for every second that passes. The score never drops below 50. A strong result is finishing close to the minimum number of moves.
Tips and strategy
- Start by flipping fresh cards on your first turn of a new board. Every new card you see is information for later.
- Each time you flip a card that you have seen before, try to remember its neighbours too. Cards close together are easier to recall as a group.
- If your first card of a turn is one you have seen, flip its twin straight away. A guaranteed match costs one move.
- Do not rush the first few turns. The time penalty is small, while a wrong guess costs 25 points, so accuracy is worth more than speed.
- Try the Easy board first to learn the symbols, then move up. Each new size has more symbols to keep track of.
Memory Match FAQ
▸Is there a time limit?
No. A timer counts upward and slightly lowers your final score, but the game does not end because of it. You can take your time on a hard board.
▸What counts as one move?
A move is a pair of flips, whether they match or not. Matching everything on the first try is the best outcome, and the minimum number of moves equals the number of pairs on the board.
▸Can I change the board size mid-game?
The board is chosen from the menu at the start. To switch size, restart the game and choose a different option.
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