How to Play 2048

THE PLAYBOOK · SCBLUELAW

Choose a round of 2048 and settle into its rules. Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Try a deliberate move

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Refer to the controls when needed.

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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. The example below illustrates a decision.

Step by step

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

Controls

Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

A useful example

A row containing 4, 0, 4, 0 can slide left and join into an 8. The empty cells between equal values do not block the merge. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Common questions

While reading the Guide, what is the goal of 2048?

Reach a 2048 tile, then continue as long as a legal move remains. A full board with no adjacent equal tiles ends the round.

On this playing page, how do I control 2048?

For clarity: Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons.

On this playing page, what example helps explain 2048?

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.

For this browser game, what should I watch out for in 2048?

For clarity: A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile.

Before I begin, what format does 2048 offer?

For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does 2048 use?

Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.