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AARPLynne
Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
January 18, 2023

10x10 Gameplay Tips

  • January 18, 2023
  • 56 replies
  • 157240 views

A 10x10 puzzle is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. With just 100 squares to work with, you'll need to be creative and use logic to solve the puzzle. You can start by looking for patterns and symmetries, or by breaking the problem down into smaller pieces.

Here are some tips for 10x10 offered by user smfg. What would you add to this list?

  • Since this game is not timed, try out a block in several locations before placing it.
  • Clear as many lines as you can in each turn before placing anything else. This will open up spaces, boost your score, and give you options. 
  • Always try to leave open space for a 4-square and a 9-square, just in case. 
  • Give yourself a hug when you top your previous high score!

 

Found this post helpful? Give it a kudo to let us know—it helps others discover valuable content too.

56 replies

Contributor ⭐
August 25, 2026

Nasty

Contributor ⭐
July 1, 2026

The 10×10 game (also called 1010! or Block Puzzle 10×10) is a simple puzzle game where the goal is to place blocks to clear rows and columns and keep the board from filling up.

 

How to Play

  1. You start with an empty 10×10 grid.
  2. Three block shapes are shown at a time.
  3. Drag one block onto the grid. Blocks can only be placed where they fit and cannot overlap existing blocks.
  4. After placing all three blocks, a new set of three appears.
  5. Complete an entire horizontal row or vertical column of 10 squares to clear it from the board and earn points. Multiple rows or columns can be cleared with a single move.
  6. The game continues until none of the available blocks can fit anywhere on the grid. At that point, the game ends.

Tips for a Higher Score

  • Place the largest or most awkward pieces first, since they're harder to fit later.
  • Keep the center of the board as open as possible to leave room for large pieces.
  • Avoid creating isolated one-square gaps unless you know you can fill them.
  • Try to set up moves that clear multiple rows or columns at once for more points and extra space.
  • Don't focus only on clearing lines immediately—sometimes saving space for future pieces is the better strategy.

The game has no timer, so you can take as much time as you need to plan each move. The challenge comes from managing the available space efficiently as the board gradually fills up.

Contributor ⭐
July 6, 2026

So, the colors mean nothing?  Okay, that's fine.  How are people scoring 25,000 and more on this game?  I feel I'm doing well if I get 2,000!

Contributor ⭐
July 6, 2026

I've not found grouping colors to be an effective strategy, but counting the number of squares/blocks you can drag into the grid is critical to finding the best fit (and keeps those neurons firing on all cylinders).

For example you could already have a total of ten (10) squares from stringing the three placement blocks together - like two sets of three squares and one set of four equaling ten - so if you have an empty vertical/horizontal space of 10 squares to line them up rather than plug them into an existing group of squares (if that makes any sense...) you can just drag and drop them into that open alignment space.

I believe some individuals are able to achieve high scores by taking breaks (i.e. not closing or exiting the game) thereby increasing their score with each additional "same session" of the game that they play.

There is no timer, you're not obligated to complete the game in one sitting, and you can keep it open in the background (hit pause - II) while you perform other tasks on your phone/computer/tablet and then return to the game to pick up where you left off. I also think that the more you play the game, the easier it is for you to recognize or remember patterns and how to complete them effectively/efficiently - like when you have two sets of 5/five vertical/horizontal blocks, you immediately may look for an open set of 10 vertical or horizontal squares to place them in.

So the best recommendation is to stay focused and take time to total (vertically and horizontally) the number of placement squares offered; but when you feel yourself losing your edge, then put the game on pause and take breaks as needed, and realize you may not be able to place all three blocks to equal 10 - but sometimes you can. And always place the largest blocks first if possible (always try and leave space for the 9-square and 5-square groupings). And one last item - the Daily Top Score leader board resets every 24 hours (?midnight eastern time zone?) and that may impact whether or not a lower score tops the board for a bit - but you'll have to determine when based on your time zone/location. Hope this helps and good luck! 

Contributor ⭐
May 8, 2026

Games should have a practice or demonstration mode, so you can visualize how the game works. Tips are good but methodology is better, viewed!

SereneSeagull
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
May 8, 2026

Some actually do @BeverleyR665850 

Contributor ⭐
April 30, 2026

How about giving instructions for your games Helpful hints aren't helpful if we are not given instructions on how to play nor are told the goal.

SereneSeagull
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
April 30, 2026

What do you want to know, @RosemarieN180148 .  I play this game.

catnipcricket
Contributor ⭐
May 4, 2026

All my lines are cleat to begin with until I move blocks into them

Contributor ⭐
April 4, 2026

Amazing that you think the “Tips” statements explain the game. It would help to have clearer descriptions of the game play and objectives. 

Contributor ⭐
February 18, 2026

What is the object of the game?..

AARPTeri
Community Manager
February 23, 2026

The object of the game is to clear lines!  You aim to complete a full line -10 in total—either vertically or horizontally to clear them. The more lines you clear, the better your score! But don't be fooled by its simplicity—these lines build up fast! You'll need to think ahead, much like a good chess player or a detective in a movie, including every possible move to outwit the ever-filling board.

Contributor ⭐
February 13, 2026

I cannot find anything to explain the rules

AARPTeri
Community Manager
February 23, 2026

Did you see our tips?  https://community.aarp.org/t5/Leave-a-Game-Tip/10x10-Gameplay-Tips/m-p/2478294

 

Additionally, the box on the game page provides a description:  

Are you looking for a new challenge?

A 10x10 puzzle is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. With just 100 squares to work with, you'll need to be creative and use logic to solve the puzzle.

 

You can start by looking for patterns and symmetries, or you can try to break the problem down into smaller pieces.

 

We hope you play and enjoy the game!

Contributor ⭐
June 2, 2026

This comment and its link are useless unless you already know how to play the game.

Contributor ⭐
November 6, 2025

Ive bookmarked the game but have no idea where bookmarks are located.  Ir would be helpful too know how, where I can find this game again.

Contributor ⭐
November 19, 2025

Right hand corner, just a bit below the big X. You should see a little folder that says All Bookmarks. Hope this help you.

Contributor ⭐
November 5, 2025

    I always like to see a game played first - visual learner. Wish these games had that feature. I tried to play a few different games - no idea what I was doing !!

Just Saying

Contributor ⭐
November 12, 2025

As far as I can tell this is the same game as block champ. fill a line up and it goes away for points. Game pieces even appear to be the same shapes

 

Contributor ⭐
January 17, 2026

I noticed it that, if you get a row. or column in the same color, it doesn't clear.  Is this good or bad?

Contributor ⭐
July 3, 2025

I have been playing fior some time and my high score is 8335. This after I put the game on hold after an hour or so and come back(a few times ) later to continue. I can not believe that some players can reach scores of 25000 to 30000. What is the secret - how long does it take to reach such a high score,. Seems impossible to me??>?

Contributor ⭐
February 20, 2026

What is the game? How do you play?

SereneSeagull
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
February 20, 2026

Try it out, tinker around