Sequence
How to play Sequence
Sequence is a free card board game from Stratza Games. You play cards, place chips, and race to complete two five-in-a-row Sequences before your opponent. This page is the full rules reference for the free browser and Android game.
Goal of the game
Be the first player to complete two Sequences. A Sequence is five of your chips in a row — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — on the shared board. One Sequence is progress; two Sequences wins the match.
Setup
Each player receives a hand of cards. The board shows every card rank and suit on two spaces (so each card can be played in two places). The four corner spaces are marked as free and do not need a card. Play alternates until someone locks in a second Sequence.
Turn structure
- Play one card from your hand.
- Place a chip on a matching open space on the board (or resolve a jack).
- Draw a replacement card and end your turn.
Plan ahead: the board is shared, so every card you play also shows your opponent where you might build next. If both matching spaces for a card are already occupied, discard that dead card, draw a replacement, and play a different card on the same turn.
Free corners
The four corner spaces belong to everyone. They count toward a five-in-a-row line for any player who builds through that corner. Strong opening lines often run through a corner because you only need four of your own chips to finish that Sequence.
Jacks in Sequence
Jacks change the board fast. One-eyed jacks remove an opponent chip (you cannot remove a chip that already sits in a completed Sequence). Two-eyed jacks place your chip on any open non-corner space. Save them for blocks, breakthroughs, or finishing a second Sequence.
Prefer a quieter board with no wild cards? Try Sequence No Jack against the No Jack Master AI.
Ways to play Sequence
Vs AI
Practice Sequence against the computer whenever you want a quick board-game session.
Pass and play
Two players share one device. Hand the phone or browser across the table between turns.
Online multiplayer
Match with another Sequence player over the internet. Play Sequence online.
Play with friends
Create a private room and share a room code. Invite friends.
Sequence game modes
- Sequence No Jack: play without jacks — pure matching placements vs AI. Sequence No Jack.
- Sequence Block: a blocked-board challenge that changes where you can place chips.
- Sequence Battleground: timed tournament-style Sequence matches.
- Sequence Ladder: climb levels, earn coins, and compete on leaderboards.
Tips for new players
- Build toward two Sequences at once so one block does not end your game.
- Watch corners and center lines: they participate in more five-in-a-row paths.
- Do not spend a two-eyed jack early unless it finishes a Sequence or stops an obvious threat.
- Use pass-and-play or vs AI first if you are learning Sequence, then try online or friends.
Sequence rules FAQ
How many Sequences do you need to win?
Two. Each Sequence is five of your chips in a row — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
What do the corner spaces do?
The four corners are free for every player and count as part of any five-in-a-row line that uses them.
What is the difference between one-eyed and two-eyed jacks?
One-eyed jacks remove an unlocked opponent chip. Two-eyed jacks place your chip on any open non-corner space.
Can I remove a chip from a completed Sequence?
No. Chips in a finished Sequence are locked and cannot be removed.
What if both spaces for my card are taken?
Discard the dead card, draw a replacement, and play a different card on the same turn.