The Snake Pattern

Level: Intermediate

Keep a zigzagging, descending layout across two rows.

The snake pattern extends the chain across two rows in a zigzag (S-shaped) layout instead of just one. Fill the bottom row in descending order from left to right, then continue the row above it from right to left.

This shape lets you fit a longer chain, so you can stack up more large values. Sliding in your two main directions naturally aligns the tiles along this zigzag.

Receive new tiles at the snake's head (the smallest-value end) to keep merging, while anchoring the tail (the largest value) in the corner. This works especially well on larger boards like 5×5 and 6×6.

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