How to Play 2048

THE PLAYBOOK · XIAOANBA

How to play 2048

Start 2048 by looking at the playing area and its controls. Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Use the example below to understand a decision.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

Step by step

1. Move the board using an arrow key, swipe, or a direction button.
2. Equal adjacent tiles combine once per move; their new value is added to your score.
3. Keep an empty lane where possible. Undo reverses the most recent move.
4. Use New round to begin with two tiles.

Controls

Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Look at the feedback after the action.

A useful example

Moving a row of 2, 2, 2, 0 to the left creates 4, 2, 0, 0 before a new tile appears. The newly merged 4 does not merge again in the same move. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile. Compare the situation with the worked example. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Common questions