Time to Match the Patterns!

What Is It?

⚙️Abstract Puzzle – Players will make patterns on their cards with the 5 matchsticks. Each turn they will move 1 stick in the pattern to see if they can complete any of the cards in their hand.
⚙️4 Ways to Play – For each, players start with 5 cards in hand.

🎲Standard – The goal is to get rid of all cards in your hand. When you can’t complete a card on your turn, you draw another, thus expanding your hand to get rid of
🎲Plus – The goal is to get the most points. When you complete a card, you get another turn. Once your turn ends (you can’t complete more cards) you refill your hand to 5
🎲Open – You can play standard or plus with open hands, which adds to the strategy since you can see what card(s) the next player could complete based on the pattern you make
🎲Solitary – When you complete a card, you draw another immediately. If you need an extra move to complete a card, you score 1 minus point. The game ends once you work through the deck, and you want as few points as possible

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Who Is It For?

👥1 to 4 Players – Fine at any count, though I did feel that playing it solo felt a little too repetitive since there’s a lot of cards to get through
👥Ages 10 & Up – Simple rules, but moves may take some puzzling out
👥Fans of abstract strategy / visual puzzles
👥Players who are not prone to overanalyzing

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PROS

🟢Small and portable
🟢Variety in gameplay, and the patterns in general
🟢Curved box lid makes it easy to open the box
🟢Rules are well-written and clear
🟢I like that you can make the patterns flipped and mirrored as needed

CONS

🔴Length – Most plays will end up with you getting all the way through the deck, and I think it lasts a bit long for what it is
🔴Aesthetics – There’s not much for art

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Final Thoughts

Overall, the game is pretty light, and it’s easy to get into. I just wish it didn’t go on for as long in most instances because it does start to get a little repetitive.

I do like the variability in how to play, but I think I ultimately preferred “plus” to “standard;” it felt more frustrating to draw another card every time you couldn’t complete one in standard, so I thought plus felt a little more forgiving.

If you’re big on visual abstract puzzles, then this one might be worth checking out!

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Additional Information:

Designer – Gerhard Kodys
Publisher – Amigo Games, Piatnik Games
MSRP – $12.99
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