How to Play 2048

THE PLAYBOOK · AHETV

How to play 2048

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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Check the rule that explains your first action. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Step by step

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

Controls

Use arrow keys, swipe across the board, or tap the four direction buttons. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Check any mode label before starting.

A useful example

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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Consider the next action carefully.

Watch out for this

A swipe that leaves the board unchanged does not add a new tile. Check the rule before repeating the action. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Common questions