Memory Game

Memory Game (also called Concentration) is a pair matching game, where you can test your memory and concentration skills. Play solo or challenge the AI opponent.

Explore Game Details

Introduction to Memory Game

Memory game (also called Concentration) is a pair matching game, where you can test your memory and concentration skills. The goal is to remove all the cards from the table by matching pairs of cards with identical faces. Before you begin, you can choose the size of the deck, and whether each card face appears twice in a deck, or 4 times. Click a card to flip it. When you flip two matching cards, they are removed from the table. If the cards do not match, they are flipped back to hide their faces, and you should try to remember where each card was. Try removing all of the cards the fastest, and using as few clicks as possible.

How to Play

The Pack

The standard 52-card pack is used, or a custom set of Emoji cards depending on your selection.

Object of the Game

The goal is to collect pairs of cards of the same rank, such as two sixes or two queens.

The Deal

Any player shuffles the pack and spreads all the cards out, face down all over the table, one at a time, so that no two cards touch or overlap at the corners.

Card Values/Scoring

The player who takes in the greatest number of pairs is the winner.

How to Play

The first player may be decided in any way. The first player turns up any two cards on the table, leaving the first card face up until they have turned the second. If the two cards form a pair, the player takes them and puts them face down in a pile, and then they turns up two more cards. Whenever the two cards turned up do not form a pair, the player, after a pause of at least five seconds, turns both cards face down again, leaving them in exactly the same position on the table. It is then the next player’s turn (the player to the left). Play proceeds in the same manner until all the cards have been matched.

Strategy

Choose the memorizing method that suits you best, and feel free to challenge yourself by trying out new ones. Here are some examples of useful practices: Systematic grid search: Flip the cards in a methodical order, such as row by row or column by column. This allows you to memorize the card faces in a specific order, filtering out identical cards as you match them. Chunking: Mentally divide the cards into separate groups, find matching cards within each group, and try to remember which group contains each unmatched card. Verbal recall: As you scan the cards in order, call out their names out loud to better embed their positions in your memory. Visual patterns: Identify unique details and shapes on the cards, and use this information to better memorize sequences. For example, you can remember a green card between two purple cards or that there are three consecutive royal cards, two consecutive birds, etc. Delayed matching: If you suspect that two cards might be a pair but you are not sure, leave them for now and try to confirm the match with other cards. This can sometimes prevent unnecessary mistakes. Pace yourself: Avoid rushing into decisions. Taking your time to accurately remember positions will often lead to faster completion overall (and fewer card flips, of course).

Benefits

Train your short-term memory
Train your concentration and focus
Train your brain in a fun and competitive way

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Let us know.

What is the memory game also called?

This game is known by many names around the world: Concentration, Matching Pairs, Pelmanism, Pexeso, and Shinkei-suijaku (神経衰弱) in Japan. They all describe the same classic game - flip two cards, remember their positions, and collect every pair.

How big can the board get?

Boards range from a gentle 4x3 grid (12 cards) up to a 14x14 grid with 196 cards in Hell mode. Large emoji boards switch to a two-pair variant where you must collect all four copies of each face.

Can I play against the computer?

Yes. Five AI levels - from Random to Mastermind - remember card positions with a limited memory, guess by probability, and even make deliberate mistakes on lower levels. Every AI opponent gets a unique personality that changes how well it remembers.

Can two players play on the same device?

Yes. Local two-player mode works on one screen: matched pairs are collected into each player's tray, turns switch after a miss, and the player with the most pairs wins.

Is the memory game free?

Completely free with no download and no sign-up. It runs right in your browser on mobile and desktop, in 30 languages.

Is this memory game suitable for seniors?

Yes. The smallest board (12 cards, no timer, large cards) is a calm, pressure-free way to exercise memory, and the whole game can be played with a keyboard. For more easygoing picks, see our full collection of games for seniors.