BoardGameArchiveMemory Game Strategy: Card Tracking, Known Pairs & Recall
Memory strategy covering location tracking, known-pair priority, scanning patterns, avoiding duplicate information and improving recall across a changing board.
Memory strategy is entirely about preserving and using information from previous flips.
Memory strategy is entirely about preserving and using information from previous flips.
Key takeaway
Memory strategy covering location tracking, known-pair priority, scanning patterns, avoiding duplicate information and improving recall across a changing board.
About this guide
This strategy article covers 5 focused topics, with edition notes and sources where available.
What this guide covers
Prioritize known matches
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Use a consistent scanning system
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Watch every player’s turn
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Do not waste a first flip
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Prioritize known matches
If you already know both locations of a pair, claim it before revealing new cards unless another known sequence gives you a better chain of turns.
Use a consistent scanning system
Think of the layout in rows and columns rather than as a loose field of pictures. Structured positions are easier to recall.
Watch every player’s turn
Information is public. Opponents reveal cards that may become your match later, so every flip matters even when it is not your turn.
Do not waste a first flip
If you know one location of a picture but not its partner, reveal an unknown card first. If it matches, you can use the known location second; if it does not, you gain new information.
Related guides
Memory hub · Rules · Pair rules
Editorial analysis: based on standard matching-game information strategy.