Rules & Strategy

Learn to play
NumberCrossIQ

Simple to pick up, deep enough to master. Here's everything you need to start winning.

🎯 The objective

NumberCrossIQ is a two-player strategy game played on a grid. Each player holds a hand of numbered tiles and takes turns placing one tile per round. The goal is to score more points than your opponent by the time the board is full.

Points are earned based on which numbers you place and where you place them. Position matters as much as the number itself.

πŸ“‹ How a game works

1

Draw your tiles

At the start of each round, you receive a hand of numbered tiles. You can see your own tiles but not your opponent's β€” choose wisely.

2

Place a tile on the board

On your turn, drag one tile from your hand and place it on any empty cell on the grid. Once placed, a tile cannot be moved by your opponent.

3

Score your move

Points are calculated immediately after placement based on the tile's value and its position relative to adjacent tiles on the board.

4

Alternate turns

Players alternate placing tiles until the board is full. The player with the highest total score wins the game.

πŸ”’ Scoring

Each tile placement earns points. The exact score depends on the number placed and the numbers already surrounding that cell on the board. Higher numbers in good positions score more β€” but opponents can also block your best spots.

Watch your score update in real time after every move. You can also see the score breakdown from your last placement during the game.

5
3
4
5
6
3
2

Example: placing a 4 (blue) β€” the highlighted neighbours (green) contribute to the score.

πŸ•ΉοΈ Game modes

⚑ Single Player

Play against a bot at any time. Great for learning the game, testing strategies, or just enjoying a quick game on your own schedule.

🌐 Multiplayer

Challenge a friend or join a live match. Create a private game and share the code, or enter an open lobby. Real-time, turn-based play.

Multiplayer requires the Multiplayer Unlock β€” a one-time in-app purchase. No subscription needed.

πŸ’‘ Strategy tips

🧱

Block your opponent

Don't only think about your own score β€” placing tiles to block high-value positions can be just as effective.

πŸ—ΊοΈ

Think ahead

Consider where your opponent might want to play next. The best move now might set up a great move later.

πŸ”’

Value high numbers

Higher-numbered tiles tend to score more β€” save them for positions surrounded by already-placed tiles.

⏱️

Practice solo first

Use Single Player mode to get comfortable with the scoring system before jumping into multiplayer.

Ready to try it?

Play for free β€” no account required.

Start playing β†’