Matchsticks Problems
Move or remove matchsticks to build target figures with no dangling sticks.
Start solving
Pick a puzzle below — each one has an interactive simulator you can play right away.
Remove exactly 2 matchsticks so that exactly 3 squares remain, and every matchstick is part of at least one square.
Tap a matchstick to remove it. Remove exactly 2; do not add any.
Move exactly one matchstick to make the equation true.
Current matchsticks equation 9-6=2+1. Equation is true.
Tap one active matchstick to pick it up, then tap an empty legal slot to place it.
Matchstick problems are among the most exciting topics for developing spatial reasoning.
Learn the methodRead guide
Matchsticks Problems
Matchstick problems are among the most exciting topics for developing spatial reasoning.
Usually, there are two types of actions you can perform on problems with matchsticks:
- Remove the matchstick.
- Move the matchstick.
In the first case, your goal is to achieve a target structure by completely removing a certain number of matchsticks.
In the second case, your goal is to move a specific number of matchsticks to achieve the correct structure.
A key rule in this topic is:
- after you move or remove matchsticks, there should be no dangling matchsticks.
Use the interactive panel to test ideas quickly and verify whether your final structure satisfies all constraints.