Number Match strategy
Number Match Stuck? Find the Next Pair
A board that looks stuck often still contains a legal pair. Every addition lengthens the board, so use this scan before spending one.
Scan every supported path
Look for equal digits and pairs totalling ten, then confirm that every cell between them is empty.
- Horizontal and vertical lines
- Both diagonal directions
- The last active number of one row and first active number of the next
Prefer moves that open space
An inner pair can remove a blocker and create several longer connections. Compare legal moves by what they uncover, not only by what disappears now.
- Clear central blockers
- Preserve useful edge pairs
- Re-scan after every removal
Add numbers only after a full scan
Remaining digits append in reading order. After adding, inspect the new row boundary first, then repeat the same scan.
- Use additions as a last resort
- Check the join between old and new numbers
- Plan around the difficulty's addition limit