# Sequence strategy: 12 tips to win

> Where to place chips, when to use jacks, how to block, and how to set up two Sequences at once. Rules first? See [How to play](https://sequence.stratzagames.com/how-to-play.md).

## Opening

1. **Play where lines meet.** Chips near the centre serve many rows, columns and diagonals; edge chips serve few.
2. **Use the free corners.** A line into a corner needs only four of your chips.
3. **Keep options open.** Every card matches two spaces; pick the one that helps more of your lines or hurts more of your opponent's.

## Jacks

4. **Save two-eyed jacks** (clubs, diamonds) for the end, to fill a gap no card can reach. Spend early only to stop a winning line.
5. **Aim one-eyed jacks** (spades, hearts) at a chip in an open four, or where two opponent lines cross. Locked chips in a completed Sequence cannot be removed.
6. **Count the jacks.** There are four of each kind. Once most one-eyed jacks are gone, your lines are safer.

## Blocking

7. **Block and build in one move.** Prefer blocking chips that also extend your own line.
8. **Always answer an open four** unless your own move wins.
9. **Block in the middle** of an opponent's three to cut both directions.

## Winning

10. **Build two threats at once.** Your opponent can block only one per turn.
11. **Share a chip, or go for nine.** Two Sequences may share one chip where they cross; a straight line of nine counts as two.
12. **Fill fragile gaps first.** If the twin of a gap you need is taken, only one space is left for that card; fill it early or keep a two-eyed jack for it.

## By mode

- [Sequence No Jack](https://sequence.stratzagames.com/sequence-no-jack.md): nothing can be removed, so block earlier.
- [Sequence Catch](https://sequence.stratzagames.com/sequence-catch.md): fight for the three rabbit spaces.
- [Sequence Block](https://sequence.stratzagames.com/sequence-block.md): find the open lanes before your first move.
- [Play online](https://sequence.stratzagames.com/play-online.md): 60 seconds a turn; plan while your opponent moves.

## Links

- Practice free: https://sequence.stratzagames.com/?play=1
- Daily Challenge: https://sequence.stratzagames.com/daily-challenge.md
- HTML page: https://sequence.stratzagames.com/sequence-strategy
- Agent index: https://sequence.stratzagames.com/llms.txt