🎯 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.
📋 How a game works
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 — choose wisely.
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.
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.
Alternate turns
Players alternate placing tiles until the board is full. The player with the highest total score wins the game.
🔢 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 — 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.
Example: placing a 4 (blue) — the highlighted neighbours (green) contribute to the score.
🕹️ 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 — a one-time in-app purchase. No subscription needed.
💡 Strategy tips
Block your opponent
Don't only think about your own score — placing tiles to block high-value positions can be just as effective.
Think ahead
Consider where your opponent might want to play next. The best move now might set up a great move later.
Value high numbers
Higher-numbered tiles tend to score more — 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.
📖 Glossary
Sequence: a run of tiles placed in the same row or column, with values increasing or decreasing by exactly 1 at each step.
Hand: the set of tiles (up to seven) a player currently holds and can choose from on their turn.
Pool: the shared stack of tiles players draw from to refill their hand after each move.
Swap: an option that lets you exchange your entire hand for new tiles from the pool, at the cost of your turn. Only available when enough tiles remain in the pool.
Pass: skip your turn without placing a tile. Three consecutive passes between both players ends the game.
WO (walkover): forfeiting the game, giving your opponent the win.
Bonus square: a marked cell on the board (DN, TN, or DC) that multiplies the score of a tile or its sequence.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I undo a move once I've placed a tile?
No — once a tile is placed on the board, it's locked in for the rest of the game. Take your time before confirming a placement.
What happens if neither player can make a valid move?
You can pass instead. If both players pass three times in a row, the game ends and the highest score wins.
Do I need to buy anything to play?
No. Single Player mode against the bot is completely free. Only Multiplayer requires the one-time Multiplayer Unlock purchase.
Is there a time limit per move?
No. NumberCrossIQ is asynchronous by design — take as long as you need before placing a tile.
Can I play against the same friend multiple times?
Yes — you can start as many private games with the same friend as you like, and play several games in parallel.