Sequence strategy: 12 tips to win

Sequence looks like luck of the draw, but good players win far more often. These tips cover where to place chips, when to use jacks, how to block, and how to set up two Sequences at once. New to the game? Start with how to play Sequence.

Opening: where to place your first chips

1. Play where lines meet. A chip near the centre of the board can be part of many five-in-a-row lines across rows, columns and both diagonals. A chip on the edge serves far fewer.
2. Use the free corners. A corner counts for everyone, so a line that runs into a corner needs only four of your chips. Spaces one step diagonally in from a corner are especially useful.
3. Keep your options open. Every card matches two spaces. Before you play, compare both and pick the one that helps more of your possible lines, or hurts more of your opponent's.

Jacks: your most valuable cards

4. Save two-eyed jacks. A two-eyed jack (clubs or diamonds) places your chip on any open space. It is worth the most at the end, to fill the one gap no card in your hand can reach. Spend it early only to stop a line that would otherwise win.
5. Aim one-eyed jacks at crossings. A one-eyed jack (spades or hearts) removes an opponent chip. The best target is a chip in an open line of four, or one that sits where two of their lines cross. You cannot remove chips locked in a completed Sequence.
6. Count the jacks. There are four of each kind in the deck. Once your opponent has played most of the one-eyed jacks, your unfinished lines are much safer.

Blocking without falling behind

7. Block and build in one move. The best blocking chip also extends one of your own lines. Look for spaces that do both before you play a pure block.
8. Always answer an open four. If your opponent has four in a row with an open end, block it now unless your own move wins the game.
9. Block early lines in the middle. A chip in the middle of an opponent's three cuts both directions; a chip at the end leaves the other side open.

Winning: two Sequences, fewer moves

10. Build two threats at once. Your opponent can only block one line per turn. Two lines that both need one chip usually win.
11. Share a chip, or go for nine. Two Sequences may share one chip where they cross, and a straight line of nine of your chips counts as two Sequences. Both save moves.
12. Fill fragile gaps first. Every card matches two spaces. If the twin of a gap you need is already taken, only that one space is left for the card, and your opponent can block it with the same card. Fill those gaps early, or keep a two-eyed jack for them.

Strategy for each Sequence mode

• Sequence No Jack — with no jacks, nothing can be removed, so every block is permanent. Block earlier than you would in classic.
• Sequence Catch — only lines through a rabbit you hold count. Fight for the three rabbit spaces and ignore the rest of the board.
• Sequence Block — eight spaces are walled off. Find the open lanes before your first move.
• Play online — the clock gives you 60 seconds a turn, so decide your plan while your opponent moves.

Practice where it counts

Play vs AI at a higher level to sharpen your reads, then test them online or in the free Daily Challenge, where fewest-moves and fastest-win days reward exactly the habits above.

Sequence strategy FAQ

Ready to try them? Play Sequence free in your browser.