Memory Match

A closer look at Memory Match

The goal

Sixteen cards hide eight pairs of symbols. Select two face-down cards to reveal them. If the symbols match, both cards remain visible. If they differ, they turn face down after a short pause. A turn means one completed selection of two different cards. Revealing only the first card does not increase the turn count.

Build a map of the board

Treat the cards as a four-by-four map. Instead of remembering that a triangle was somewhere near the top, remember a position such as row one, column three. Pair that location with the symbol while it is visible. A consistent route through unexplored cards helps you separate new information from information you have already seen.

Use the second card deliberately

If your first card reveals a symbol whose partner you remember, choose that known partner. If the partner is still unknown, reveal a card you have not tried. Even a mismatch can be useful: it gives you another location to remember. Repeatedly opening the same two known, nonmatching cards adds turns without adding information.

A worked turn

Imagine that you previously saw a circle in the upper-left corner. Your next first card reveals another circle in the bottom row. Select the upper-left card as your second choice to complete the pair. If you are unsure whether the earlier symbol was a circle or a diamond, pause and review the board mentally; there is no timer forcing a guess.

Controls and resets

Cards can be selected by touch, mouse, or keyboard. Face-down card labels report their positions without revealing their symbols. Matched cards cannot be chosen again. During the brief mismatch pause, the game ignores additional selections so that a third card cannot alter the turn. New puzzle reshuffles all pairs and starts a fresh turn count.