About Pairs
Pairs lays out a grid of face-down cards, each with one twin. Turn over two cards at a time: matching cards stay face up and the others turn back. Remember what you have seen and clear the board in as few flips as possible. The layout is the same for everyone each day.
How to play Pairs
- Tap a card to turn it over, then tap a second card.
- If the two cards match they stay face up. If not, they turn back over, so remember where they were.
- Find every pair to finish. Easy is 4×4, medium 4×5 and hard 6×6.
- Fewest flips wins, then the fastest time.
Tips & strategy
- Turn over cards you have not seen yet; a new card tells you more than one you already know.
- Work across the grid in order so positions are easier to remember.
- Name what you see under your breath, such as “moon, top left”. It helps the memory stick.
- When a card you have seen before turns up, go straight to its twin.
- Do not rush. A short pause before each flip costs a second but can save several flips.
Pairs: questions and answers
How many cards are there?
Sixteen on easy days, twenty on medium days and thirty-six on hard days.
Why does every flip go to the server?
The layout stays on our server and each card is revealed only when you turn it over, so nobody can peek.
How is Pairs ranked?
Fewest flips first, then the fastest time.
What is on the cards?
Each pair shares an original picture, such as a sun, a key or a kite, drawn as a simple shape that is easy to tell apart.
How can I use fewer flips?
Turn over a card you have not seen first; if it matches one you remember, turn that one second for a sure pair. Work through the grid in a fixed order so you never turn a known card by accident.