Patterns Link
Patterns Link
Patterns Link borrows its linking rule from mahjong solitaire and pairs it with the tile clearing of a match-3 game. The board is filled with square tiles printed with patterns such as leaf shapes, animal stripes, and bright geometric designs. Instead of simply tapping any two matching tiles, you can only connect a pair when at least one side of each tile is open, so tiles boxed in on every edge stay locked until you clear their neighbors first. That single rule turns what looks like a relaxed pattern-matching game into a small logic puzzle, since removing the wrong tile first can trap the ones you actually need. A countdown clock keeps the pressure gentle rather than frantic, giving you enough time to study the layout before it runs out, and your score keeps building from one round to the next rather than resetting to zero each time.
How to play Patterns Link
Controls
- Click or tap a tile to select it, then click a second tile that shares the same pattern.
- The link only works if at least one side (top, bottom, left, or right) of each tile is currently open, not boxed in by other tiles.
- Matched pairs disappear from the board, freeing up the tiles around them.
- Clear every tile before the countdown timer reaches zero to finish the layout.
- Your score carries over and adds up across rounds instead of restarting from zero.
Tips and strategy
Scan the outer edges and corners first, since tiles there usually already have an open side and are the safest matches to grab early. Before clicking a pair, glance at what sits next to them: clearing a tile that's wedged between two others is more valuable than clearing one that was already easy to reach, because it opens up new options. Try not to leave a single tile of a pattern stranded in the middle of a tight cluster late in the round, since it can become impossible to free before time runs out. Working outside-in, rather than grabbing whatever match you spot first, keeps more of the board playable for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Patterns Link the same as mahjong solitaire?
It uses a similar linking idea, but instead of only removing free tiles stacked on top of a pile, you match two tiles anywhere on the flat board as long as each one has an open side.
Do tiles need to match in color, pattern, or both?
Each tile carries a printed design, and you link two tiles that show the identical pattern and color, not just a similar shape.
What happens if the timer runs out?
If you haven't cleared the board when the countdown hits zero, the round ends and you'll need to start that layout over.
Does my score reset every time I play?
No, the score keeps accumulating from one game to the next rather than dropping back to zero at the start of a new round.
Can I play Patterns Link on a phone?
Yes, it works with touch controls on mobile as well as with a mouse on desktop.