What Is Chaining?

A chained equation is one where the result of one equation becomes the left operand of the next, all within a single turn. For example: 33 − 4 = 29 = 87 − 58. This is one placement, uses multiple tiles, and if it crosses multiple bonus cells, all bonuses are applied.

Most players discover chaining by accident — they notice a long placement fits on the board and scores unusually well. Once you understand why it works, you can build chains deliberately.

Why Chain?

• Chains using 4+ tiles earn the +10 complexity bonus automatically.
• Longer placements are more likely to cross multiple coloured bonus cells.
• They connect existing tiles on the board in more directions, opening up future moves.
• They're harder for the AI to predict and block.
• A well-placed chain can score 80–120 points in a single turn.

How to Spot Chaining Opportunities

Look for two separate equations on the board that share a common value. If 7 + 3 = 10 is placed horizontally and 10 × 2 = 20 could extend it vertically through the shared tile 10, that's a chain opportunity. The Hint button will sometimes suggest chains — pay attention to the longer suggestions it offers.

Also scan your rack for tile pairs that equal the same value. If you hold both a 20 tile and a 4 × 5 combination, you have the components of a chain regardless of what's on the board.

Practice Exercise

Try building a chain using tiles: 5, 20, 4. Possible chain: 5 × 4 = 20. Now extend it: 5 × 4 = 20 = 100 ÷ 5. That's six tiles in one placement, earning the +10 bonus and covering potentially three board cells.

When Not to Chain

Chaining requires multiple tiles. If you're running low on tiles late in the game, a long chain might not be worth the tile expenditure — especially if you can score nearly as much with a shorter placement and preserve tiles for your next turn. Evaluate the score-per-tile, not just the raw score.