2048

How to play

Every move slides all the tiles on the board as far as they can go in the direction you choose. If two tiles with the same number collide during a slide, they merge into a single tile worth double their value, and those points are added to your score. After each successful move a new tile appears in a random empty square — usually a 2, occasionally a 4.

Use the arrow keys or W, A, S and D on a keyboard, or swipe across the board on a touch screen. A move only counts if something actually changes; if you press a direction and nothing moves, no new tile is added. The game ends when the board is completely full and no two neighbouring tiles share a value. Reach the 2048 tile and you have won, though you can keep playing for a higher score.

Tips and strategy

The most reliable approach is to pick one corner and treat it as your anchor. Keep your largest tile there and build the rest of the board in a descending order around it, so the big numbers stay out of the way. Most strong players keep the board's bottom row full and never move tiles upward unless they have to, which keeps the largest tiles pinned in place.

Avoid scattering your mid-value tiles across the middle of the board. Tidy rows are far easier to merge than a board where similar numbers are separated by smaller ones. When you have a choice, move in only two or three directions rather than all four — limiting yourself to, say, left and down keeps the board structured and stops tiles from drifting into awkward positions. Finally, never rush the last few moves: when the board is nearly full, read the whole grid before you commit, because one careless swipe can end the game.