How to Master the 2048 Game

2048 is an addictive puzzle game available for mobile devices and desktops. While the gameplay is simple to learn, it’s tough to master. You can either play the game online via this [link](http://gabrielecirulli.github.io/2048/), or download it on your [iOS device](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2048-by-gabriele-cirulli/id868076805) or [Android device](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gabrielecirulli.app2048).

Understand the Game Rules. You may already know how to play 2048, but if not, here are the essential rules. Keep in mind this applies to the [official version](http://gabrielecirulli.github.io/2048/), although there are many clone versions and even earlier iterations, each with potentially different rules.

• Swipe up, down, left, or right to move the numbered tiles in the corresponding direction. Each tile moves in the chosen direction until it either hits a wall or another tile (on the computer version, use the arrow keys).
• With each move, a new tile, numbered either 2 or 4, will appear in an empty spot along the row or column most recently moved.

Try to reach the number 2048. When two squares with the same value collide, they combine into a new square whose value is the sum of the two. For example: two squares of 2 will merge into a square of 4. Your goal is to combine squares until you create a square with the value 2048.

Pause the game and plan ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and rush your moves. If you want a better chance of winning, it’s important to stay calm and only make moves when you’re ready. Think ahead and try to visualize how the board will look after your next move, or at least predict what will happen with the key squares.

Focus on one corner. A common strategy among players is to focus on building a high-value square in one of the corners. The specific corner doesn’t matter, but once you choose one, stick with it.

• This strategy works best when the corner you select is part of a row that you keep filled. This way, you can move squares left to right without disturbing your high-value square.

Seize the opportunity to merge multiple squares. If you spot a long row of identical squares, it’s often a good idea to merge them all to create more space on the board.

Alternate tapping the top and right sides. A basic strategy involves alternating taps on the top and right sides until no squares are moving. When this happens, tap on the left side, and then continue alternating between the top and right sides. While this approach doesn't guarantee a 'win'—in fact, it's often harder to win using this method—it’s an effective way to score high points and quickly break your previous records.

Swipe left and right multiple times (this step is optional). Start a new game and quickly swipe left and right. Continue doing this until you see several rows of 2, 4, and 8. While it's not essential to perform this step to win, it often gives you an advantage and helps you get higher-value squares faster.

Create a high-value square in the corner. Merge your initial squares into 16 or 32, and then move them into the corner. The goal of this step is to keep that square in place for as long as possible, and gradually create even higher-value squares.

• This strategy was used in the 2048 world record to create the final square in 1 minute and 34 seconds.

Fill the row with your high-value square. For example, if your high-value square is in the top-right corner, fill the entire top row with squares. Alternate between the two directions at the corner ("top" and "right" in this case) as a good way to do this. Once the row is filled, you can move left and right repeatedly without disturbing your high-value square in the corner.

• Keep an eye on this row and fill any gaps that appear whenever possible, without moving the square in the corner.

Focus on merging smaller squares. Throughout most of the game, creating squares of 8, 16, and 32 is more important than obsessing over one large square. Ideally, these mid-range squares should be near the corner square you've chosen. This helps create a chain reaction, bringing you closer to your goal rather than focusing solely on making one big square.

Free up the small, trapped squares. Things don't always go as planned, and you may find yourself in a situation where a 2 or 4 square is stuck between a 256 and a 64, or positioned poorly. This is when you need to pause and carefully think through your moves to free that trapped square. Here are a few ways to do this:

• Choose a square adjacent to the trapped one, then plan how to merge them. If it’s a larger square, you might need to plan several moves ahead. Once you have a matching square next to it, swipe to make the square move and merge.
• Another approach is to create space in the row with the trapped small square, then move left and right until it’s aligned with a square to merge with. This method doesn’t always work well if the board is crowded with too many squares.

Move the corner square only when necessary, then return it to its original position. In most games, there will be a time when you need to move your corner square to another position. You should plan ahead to figure out the best way to move it. Swipe in that direction, then immediately swipe back to return the high-value square to the corner.

• In some cloned versions, you can move randomly and a square will still appear. In these versions, you usually don’t need to move your corner square, but it might be necessary if your board starts filling up.

Keep trying until you win. A bit of luck is required to 'break the game,' so don’t expect to win on your first attempt. If you have to move your corner square and a new square appears in that corner, your chances of success will drop significantly. You can still win if you manage to clear five or six empty squares, or if your highest value squares are 64 or 128. If your square values are higher, escaping from this tricky situation becomes much harder.

• If you've already 'beaten' the 2048 game and want to take on a tougher challenge, try reaching the 2048 square with the lowest score possible. Since each move increases your score, this is a real challenge if you want to achieve 2048 in as few moves as possible.