Тренажер ᐅ Matchsticks

The matchstick puzzle «Matchsticks» on Mozgotren.com is a classic logic game: a wrong arithmetic equation glows on a dark board, laid out with matchsticks as seven-segment digits. To solve it you move one or two sticks so the equation becomes correct — without adding or removing any. It is the well-known «move one stick to make the equation true» brain teaser, now online and free — no download, no sign-up.

Matchstick puzzle: what it is and how to solve it

Each digit is laid out like a seven-segment display. By taking one stick off a segment and placing it on an empty slot, you turn one digit into another (for example 6 → 5 or 8 → 9). When the «Movable sign» option is on, the operator is also built from sticks: remove the vertical one from «+» to get «−», or put it back to get «+». Otherwise the sign is locked, and «=» never moves. The golden rule: the total number of pieces stays the same — you only relocate them, never add or discard.

How to play

Tap a lit stick or drag it with your finger (or mouse) onto an empty slot — the source segment is highlighted. Relocated pieces are shown in green. The hit zones are large, so the game is comfortable on a phone, tablet and desktop. As soon as the equation becomes correct within the allowed number of moves, the round is scored automatically. The «Reset» button restores the original layout, and «Give up» reveals a solution.

Examples: how to move a matchstick

A few simple tasks to get the idea (we move exactly one piece):

• 1 + 1 = 3 — wrong (1+1=2). Move the bottom stick on the last digit and 3 turns into 2 → 1 + 1 = 2.
• 5 + 1 = 4 — wrong (5+1=6). Shift one piece on the first digit to turn 5 into 3 → 3 + 1 = 4.
• 9 − 6 = 2 — wrong (9−6=3). Move one stick on the last digit and 2 becomes 3 → 9 − 6 = 3.

In the trainer such puzzles are generated automatically and endlessly — from single digits to two-digit numbers, with both addition and subtraction.

Hint

Stuck? The «Hint» button highlights in yellow the piece you need to move, but does not show where to place it — the final move is up to you. A puzzle solved with a hint scores half the points.

Difficulty (1–4)

There are two options. «Movable sign» — the operator is also built from sticks, and some puzzles are solved by switching «+» ⇄ «−»; without it the sign is locked and only digits move. «Two matchsticks» — you move two pieces instead of one. The level controls how many digits the numbers have: 1) single digits (1+1=1); 2) two-digit result (1+1=2); 3) one two-digit operand (1+2=2); 4) both operands two-digit (2+2=2). Puzzles use both addition and subtraction.

How the puzzles are generated

The generator works in reverse: it first builds a guaranteed-correct equation, then makes exactly as many moves as the difficulty requires. So a solution is guaranteed to exist in exactly the required number of moves — there are no dead ends. In «two matchsticks» mode it also verifies that the puzzle cannot be solved in a single move.

What it trains

This puzzle develops several skills at once. Logic and spatial thinking — you must see a digit as a set of strokes and try rearrangements in your head. Mental arithmetic — every candidate is checked numerically. Cognitive flexibility — the solution is often non-obvious and forces you to drop your first guess. A great brain workout for both kids and adults.

Scoring

Your total + DC × Level for a correct solution (half with a hint). The «Give up» button takes half the penalty of a regular mistake — about (DC × Level) / 4. A correct answer raises the level by +1, «Give up» lowers it by −1. Totals never go negative.

Frequently asked questions

How many matchsticks do I move?

One by default; two in «Two matchsticks» mode. You cannot add or remove any — the count is always preserved.

Does every puzzle have a solution?

Yes. Each puzzle is built from a guaranteed-correct equation by reverse moves, so a solution always exists in exactly the required number of moves.

Can I change «+» into «−»?

Yes, if the «Movable sign» option is on: remove the vertical stick from «+» to get «−», and vice versa. Otherwise the sign is fixed.

Can I play on a phone?

Yes. The hit zones are large and both tapping and dragging are supported, so it is comfortable on a smartphone and tablet.

What if I cannot solve it?

Press «Hint» — it highlights the piece to move (but not the destination). Solving with a hint gives half the points. You can also press «Give up» to reveal the answer.

Why are matchstick puzzles useful?

They train logic, spatial thinking, mental arithmetic and cognitive flexibility — a fun brain workout for both children and adults.

Тренажер - Matchsticks   ВСЕ ТРЕНАЖЕРЫ ДЛЯ МОЗГА