Match-3 Puzzle

Match-3 Puzzle is a gem-swapping game on an eight-by-eight board. Swap two neighbouring gems to line up three or more of the same shape. They vanish, new gems drop in, and chain reactions score more. Four in a line makes a Cross gem that clears a row and a column, and five or more make a Burst gem that clears a large area. Every level has a move limit and a target score. Play Match-3 Puzzle free online in your browser — no download or sign-up needed.

Level 1Score 0 / 0Moves 0Best 0

Swap two neighbouring gems to make a line of three or more of the same shape. Drag a gem, or click one and then its neighbour; with the keyboard press Enter on a gem and then an arrow key. Four in a line makes a Cross gem, five a Burst gem. Reach the target score before you run out of moves.

Game Information

Category
Puzzle Games
Players
Single player
Difficulty
Levels that raise the target score
Game type
Matching, Casual, Combos
Works on
Desktop and mobile browsers
Controls
  • Mouse or touch: drag a gem towards a neighbour, or click one gem and then its neighbour
  • Keyboard: Enter selects a gem, an arrow key swaps it
  • Keyboard: H hint, R restart level
Features
  • Six shapes and two special gems
  • Chain reactions
  • Hint button
  • Automatic shuffle when no move is left
  • Levels with growing targets and best score saved

How to Play Match-3 Puzzle

Objective

Reach the target score before you run out of moves.

Starting a game

Level 1 gives 28 moves. Each swap that makes a line uses one move.

Rules

  • A swap is allowed only if it makes a line of three or more gems, or involves a special gem.
  • Matched gems vanish and gems above fall down; new gems fill the top.
  • Chains score more: the multiplier rises with every step of the chain.
  • Four in a line makes a Cross gem; five or more make a Burst gem. Matching or swapping them fires them.

Controls

  • Mouse or touch: drag a gem towards a neighbour, or click one gem and then its neighbour
  • Keyboard: Enter selects a gem, an arrow key swaps it
  • Keyboard: H hint, R restart level

Winning and losing

You win a level by reaching its score. If the moves run out first, restart the level.

Tips and Strategies

  • Look at the bottom of the board first: matches there cause cascades.
  • Save moves by making four or five in a line.
  • Fire a special gem when it can clear many gems or finish a chain.
  • Use the hint if you cannot see a move.
  • Watch the move counter and aim for big chains near the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if there is no possible move?

The board is shuffled automatically and you keep your moves.

How do special gems work?

A Cross gem clears its row and column; a Burst gem clears a 5×5 area.

Is my progress saved?

Your current level and best score are saved in your browser.

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