What Is Chaining?

A chained equation is one where the result of one equation becomes the left operand of the next, all within a single placement and turn. For example: 33 − 4 = 29 = 87 − 58. This is one turn, uses seven tiles, spans a long board distance, and if it crosses multiple bonus cells, all bonuses apply to the single equation answer.

Why Chains Score So Much More

• Chains using 4 or more tiles earn the +10 complexity bonus automatically.
• Longer placements are more likely to cross multiple coloured bonus cells in a single move.
• They connect to existing tiles on the board in more directions, opening up future moves for both players — but you placed them, so you understand the board better.
• The complexity confuses less experienced opponents and is harder for the Medium AI to block in advance.

How to Spot Chaining Opportunities

Look for two existing equations on the board that share a common value. If 7 + 3 = 10 is placed horizontally and you can extend it vertically through the shared value 10 with 10 × 2 = 20, that is a chain opportunity. Alternatively, look at your rack: can you form two different equations with the same answer using your current tiles? If yes, you can chain them in a single placement.

Practice Exercise

Try building a chain using these tiles: 5, 4, 20, 100. One possible chain: 5 × 4 = 20 = 100 ÷ 5. That is six tiles in one placement, earning the +10 bonus and potentially crossing three board cells. If any of those cells are bonus cells, you will score dramatically more than two separate short equations would have earned.