Online logic game

Connect the Pairs: draw the lines without crossing them

Also known as: connect the dots of the same color, line puzzle, connect matching icons, connect pairs with lines

The grid holds pairs of matching icons. Connect each pair with a line through neighboring cells so that no lines cross. Every solved grid makes the next level harder: a bigger grid, more pairs, and walls. A round lasts two minutes, and you can play 10 minutes a day without signing up.

Go to the game ↓
  • 2 minutesper round
  • 4×4 → 9×9the grid grows
  • No sign-up10 minutes a day
  • Progress30-day chart
What it trains

Why connect the pairs

Connecting one pair is easy. The hard part is connecting them all so the lines don’t block each other’s way. You have to look at the whole grid: where a pair can only go one way, and which line to route around a wall or someone else’s icon.

Every grid is built from scratch, and it always has a solution. Any way of connecting all the pairs counts, not just the intended one. Once you sign up, your account shows your score, the number of grids solved and the biggest grid in a round.

  • You solve problems piece by piece and hit a dead endHere you can’t do without seeing the whole grid
  • You like calm puzzlesNo numbers or words, just lines
  • You want a short planning puzzleTwo minutes, grids from 4×4
  • You play with your childFor kids the grid only grows to 6×6

Planning

Decide which pair to connect first and where to route the line.

Spatial thinking

Picture the line’s path before you draw it.

Flexibility

Erase a line that didn’t work and find another way.

Attention

See the empty cells and the paths still open.

Rules

How to play

  1. Start

    Press “Start”. A 4×4 grid appears with four pairs of icons: each pair has its own color and symbol.

  2. Line

    Drag with your finger or mouse from an icon to its match through neighboring cells: up, down, left or right.

  3. Edits

    Drag back along your line to shorten it. Start again from an icon, and the old line of that color is erased. A line drawn across another one cuts that one off.

  4. Whole grid

    The grid is solved when all pairs are connected. At the top you see the level number and how many pairs are connected.

  5. Score

    A solved board earns points based on its level: 4 for the first (4×4) board, 13 or 14 for an 8×8 and 15 or 16 for a 9×9. The next board is usually bigger or harder than the last. Stuck? Press “Another board”.

Play online

Connect the pairs online

Connect all the pairs. Without signing up you get 10 minutes of play a day.

Connect the Pairs

Connect matching symbols with lines through neighboring cells. Lines can’t cross or go through walls. 13 levels: each solved board is harder than the last.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

What the exercise is based on

Each grid is built from one long snake that visits every cell and is then cut into pieces of three cells or more. The ends of the pieces become the pairs. That’s why there’s always a solution, though the lines can also be drawn differently. On higher levels the edge of a long line turns into a wall. Out of several grids, the hardest one is chosen: pair ends far apart, with other icons and walls in between.

A similar task on space and routes is the Maze, and Connect in Order has you connect dots in order. Mini Sudoku trains logic with numbers.

4×4Warm-upFour pairs, solved in a few seconds
5×5 – 6×6More pairsEach solved grid adds pairs, and the grid grows
7×7 – 9×9Big gridUp to nine pairs, walls and long detours
Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

Two minutes of a calm puzzle on planning and space.

Kids

Suitable from age 6: for kids the grid only grows to 6×6, and a line that didn’t work can be erased with no penalty.

60+

A trainer with no rush and no penalties: you can redraw lines as often as you like, and points are never taken away.

Program finder

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Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to fill the whole grid?

No. The grid counts as soon as all pairs are connected and no lines cross. Empty cells can remain. The indicator above the grid shows how many pairs are connected.

What if I can’t solve it?

Press “Clear all” and start over, or “Another board” to get a new board at the same level. Skipping doesn’t earn points, but it doesn’t take any away either.

Does a solution different from the intended one count?

Yes, any solution by the rules works: every pair is connected, and lines don’t cross or go through walls.

Do I need to sign up?

No, you can play 10 minutes a day right away. A free account lets you keep playing, save your results, track your progress and unlock the daily workout.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, lines are easy to draw with your finger. The trainer runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers, with nothing to install.

Save your results and track your progress

Free sign-up: round history, a chart by skill and a daily workout of 5 exercises. No credit card needed.

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