2048

One rule to learn

Everything in 2048 grows out of a single rule. Every tile shows a number, and when two tiles with equal numbers come into contact, they merge into one. That rule is the whole engine of the game. Joining numbers is how you work your way toward the tile the game is named after, so every move is really a question of which pairs you can bring together next.

Moving with the arrow keys

2048 is played on the keyboard. Each press of an arrow key moves the tiles, so every turn is a choice between four directions: up, down, left or right. Before you press, look over the numbers on screen and think about which pairs of equal tiles that move could bring together. A little thought before each press goes a long way in a puzzle like this.

Planning ahead

Try to think a move or two ahead. Which pairs can you join with this press, and which could the next press line up? It also helps to keep an eye on your biggest tile, since that is the one you are growing toward 2048.

Tips

• Look for equal numbers before every press, not after it.
• Picture where the tiles will go before you move them.
• Keep tiles with equal numbers near each other, so they are easy to bring together.
• Plan your moves around your largest tile.

Who it suits

2048 suits anyone who likes a tidy number puzzle with a goal you can state in one line. The game names the arrow keys as its controls, so a computer keyboard is all you need. It is free on webgames.tv and opens straight in your browser.