How to Play Concentration
Concentration is a simple memory game you can play alone or with a friend. Start here for a quick, friendly walkthrough and a link to Playmore for more card-game guides.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Concentration |
| Family | International matching solitaire |
| Players | 1 or 2 |
| Deck | Full normal 52-card deck (standard playing cards) |
| Core idea | Turn two face-down cards to find matching ranks; matched pairs are removed |
What you are trying to do
Your job is to find pairs of cards that match in rank (for example, two Queens). All cards start face down. You flip two at a time. If they match, you remove them and usually keep them. If not, you turn them back over and try to remember where they are. The goal in one-player play is to clear the layout using as few flips as you can. In two-player play, players usually take turns and collect pairs; the player with the most pairs wins. Exact scoring and some turn rules can vary, so check your group's version or official rules for details.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. Shuffle it well. Lay all cards face down on the table in a neat grid so you can reach every card. A common layout is 4 rows of 13, but any rectangle that fits your table works. Make sure no faces show and that cards are spaced so players can flip one without moving others.
How to play
- Decide who goes first. In solo play, you just start flipping.
- Flip exactly two cards, keeping them face up so everyone can see them.
- If the two cards match in rank (for example, two 7s or two Kings), remove that pair from the layout and set it aside in your score pile.
- If they don't match, turn both cards face down again in the same spots. Try to remember what they were and where they are.
- In two-player games, the turn passes to the other player unless you found a match and keep the pair—house rules vary, so agree beforehand.
- Repeat flipping two cards at a time, using memory to locate matching ranks until no cards remain or your group decides the round is over.
How a round or game ends
A round typically ends when all pairs are found and removed. In solo play that means the table is cleared. In two-player play, it ends when no face-down cards remain. Players then count their collected pairs. Most pairs wins in competitive play. Some groups play by time or try to minimize flips for a personal best. Because local and published versions can differ on scoring and turn details, check the official or regional rules for the exact version you want to play.
Beginner tips
- Start by scanning the whole layout before your first flip to get a sense of card shapes and spacing.
- When you flip two non-matching cards, say them out loud ("Three of hearts"), so you’re more likely to remember them.
- Focus on one area of the table at a time. That makes memory easier than trying to remember everything at once.
- In two-player games, pay attention to the other player's flips. Their mistakes are extra clues for you.
- Play a few rounds and change the layout size to make the game easier or harder as you get better.
FAQ
Can you play Concentration with more than two players?
Yes. More players can join by taking turns. The basic flip-two rule stays the same. How turns or tiebreakers work can vary, so decide your house rules first.
Do the matching cards have to be the same suit?
No. Matches are usually by rank only (for example, any two Jacks). Some groups play with suit matching too. Agree on this before you start.
Is there a standard scoring system?
No single standard is universal. A common approach is to count the number of pairs each player collected. Other groups track flips or time. If you want an authoritative version, check the official or regional rules your group prefers.