AlsaediNexius Games · Published October 9, 2026

Tile Matching Puzzle Tips: Finding Pairs Faster

In a tile-connection puzzle you look for two identical tiles that can be joined by a path with no more than two turns, with nothing in the way. When a pair is matched, it disappears and opens new paths. The order in which you clear pairs makes a big difference. Here are tips for Tile Link and similar games.

Understand the path rule

Two tiles can connect when you can draw a line between them using at most three straight segments, with no tile blocking the line. The line can run through the empty space that has been cleared, and around the outside edge of the board, so edge tiles are often easier to connect than they look.

Start from the outside

Clearing the outer rows and columns first opens more space around the inner tiles. A board with an empty frame has many more possible paths than a full board.

Take nearby pairs first

Adjacent or close pairs are quick wins that cost nothing and free space. Long-distance pairs often become easier after the tiles between them are gone.

Watch the last tiles of each kind

If only two tiles of a picture remain, they must be matched with each other. Before you clear tiles near them, make sure you do not block the path between those two.

Scan systematically

Scanning the board in the same order each time, for example one picture at a time, finds pairs more reliably than looking at random. Look for one picture and find all of its positions before moving to the next.

Using shuffle and hint

When no moves are visible, check the whole board again slowly before using a shuffle, because a move may be hiding in plain sight. Hints are good for learning: after using one, ask yourself why you missed that pair.

Timed levels

When there is a timer, spend the first moments on easy, close pairs to open the board, then look for longer paths. Speed comes from a clear board, not from rushing a crowded one.

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