Match 3
Swap adjacent gems to line up three or more of the same type. Chain combos for bonus points before your 30 moves run out!
How to Play
Click a gem, then click an adjacent gem to swap them.
A swap is only valid if it creates a line of three or more identical gems, which are then cleared.
Cleared gems fall and refill, potentially triggering combos for higher scores. You have 30 moves per game.
About Match 3
Match 3 is one of the most popular casual puzzle game genres in the world. The concept is simple: swap adjacent gems on a grid to create lines of three or more identical gems. When a match is made, those gems are cleared from the board, new gems fall down to fill the gaps, and the cycle continues.
What makes Match 3 so addictive is the combo system. When gems fall and create new matches automatically, you earn bonus points for chain reactions. Strategic players set up the board to trigger massive cascading combos, earning far more points than with simple matches alone. Our version gives you 30 moves — can you top the leaderboard?
Game Rules
- Swap: Click a gem, then click an adjacent (up, down, left, right) gem to swap their positions.
- Valid Match: A swap is only allowed if it creates a horizontal or vertical line of 3+ identical gems.
- Clearing: Matched gems disappear, and gems above fall down to fill the empty spaces.
- Refill: New gems appear at the top to replace cleared ones.
- Combos: If falling gems create new matches automatically, you earn combo bonus points.
- Move Limit: You have exactly 30 moves. Make each one count!
Tips & Strategies
- Think before you swap: With only 30 moves, every swap matters. Scan the board for the best possible match before clicking.
- Set up cascades: Look for positions where clearing one match will cause gems to fall and create another match automatically.
- Focus on the bottom: Matches near the bottom of the board cause more gems to shift, increasing the chance of cascading combos.
- Watch for 4-in-a-row: Matching four gems in a line often creates special gems with bonus effects.
- Don't waste moves: If a swap doesn't create a match, it won't count — but it still wastes time. Be deliberate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Match 3 free to play?
Yes, completely free. No registration, no download — play directly in your browser.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes, the game works on all modern browsers including mobile phones and tablets.
How is this different from Candy Crush?
Match 3 is the genre that Candy Crush popularized. Our version focuses on the core matching mechanic without power-ups or paywalls — pure puzzle gameplay with a 30-move limit.
What is a combo?
A combo happens when gems falling after a match create another match automatically. Combos multiply your score, so setting them up is key to high scores.