🧩 The basics
Sequences can be formed in several directions. For example, if the board already holds a sequence with the tiles 3, 4, 5 and you add the tiles 1 and 2 so that the sequence becomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, you score 15 points for your move. Some squares on the board also give bonus points.
Blue: your new tiles. Green: tiles already on the board. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15 points.
🎯 The objective
NumberCrossIQ is a strategy game for two players, played on a grid. Each player holds a hand of seven numbered tiles and takes turns placing one or more tiles per round. The goal is to have more points than your opponent when the tiles in the pot run out.
Your score depends on which numbers you place and where you place them. Position matters just as much as the number itself.
📋 How a game works
Draw your tiles
At the start of the game you receive a random hand of seven tiles with values from 1 to 7. You can see your own tiles but not your opponent's, so choose carefully.
Place one or more tiles on the board
On your turn, drag one or more tiles from your hand onto empty squares on the board. Once your tiles are placed and you have pressed PLAY, they are locked in.
Score your move
Points are calculated right after placement, based on the value of the tiles and their position relative to neighbouring tiles. Above the board you can see the score for your move and the current standings.
Take turns
Players take turns placing tiles until all tiles have been played, or until the players have pressed PASS three times in a row. The player with the most points wins.
🔢 Scoring
Every time you place one or more tiles you score points. The exact score depends on the numbers you place and the numbers already around the squares you use. Higher numbers in good positions score more.
You can follow your score in real time after every move, and during the game you can see a detailed breakdown of your latest move.
All tiles on the board must be part of a sequence. A sequence can run in ascending or descending order, horizontally or vertically.
✕ 3 4 5 6 3 is not a sequence
✓ 4 3 2 is a sequence
One tile can be part of two sequences at once, one horizontal and one vertical:
Example: the 4 (blue) is placed on a DC square and completes two sequences. DC doubles every sequence the tile is part of: 2 × (3 + 4 + 5 + 6) + 2 × (5 + 4 + 3 + 2) = 2 × 18 + 2 × 14 = 36 + 28 = 64 points in total.
🕹️ Game modes
⚡ Against the computer
Play against the computer whenever you like. A great way to learn how the scoring works.
🌐 Against a friend
Challenge a friend: create a private game and share the code, or join an open lobby. The game runs in real time, but players make their moves in turn.
The game is free and there is no subscription. All you need to do is register a player name and a password.
💡 Strategy tips
Think ahead
Consider where your opponent might want to place their next tile. The best move right now can set up a really good move later.
Use incomplete sequences
If you spot a valuable sequence like 2 3 4 5 6 7 that is missing a 1, a single 1 can earn you 28 points.
Practise on your own first
Play against the computer to learn how the scoring works before you take on other players.
📖 Glossary
Sequence: a run of tiles in the same row or column, where the values increase or decrease by exactly 1 at each step.
Hand: the tiles (up to seven) a player currently holds and can choose from on their turn.
Pot: the shared pile of tiles that players draw from to refill their hand after each move. The pot is shown above the board.
Swap: lets you exchange your whole hand for new tiles from the pot, at the cost of your turn. Only available when there are more than 14 tiles left in the pot.
Pass: skip your turn without placing a tile. If both players pass three times in a row, the game ends.
WO (walkover): leaving or giving up the game, which means your opponent wins.
Bonus squares: some squares on the board are coloured and marked DN, TN or DC.
DN doubles the value of the tile placed on it.
TN triples the value of the tile placed on it.
DC doubles the value of the whole sequence, and is the square that can give the most points. With a bit of luck, the tile you place there is part of two sequences at once: one horizontal and one vertical.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I undo a move after placing a tile?
Yes, as long as you haven't pressed PLAY.
What happens if neither player can make a valid move?
You can swap your hand if there are more than 14 tiles in the pot, or you can pass your turn. Just remember that if both players pass three times in a row, the game ends and the player with the highest score wins.
Do I need to buy anything to play?
No.
Is there a time limit per move?
No.
Can I play against the same friend several times?
Yes, but not at the same time.
Is the game good brain training?
Yes. The game was designed specifically to stimulate the brain, to increase its capacity and to slow down brain ageing over time. If you want to read more about the scientific research behind this, visit skolmappen.com.
