How to Play the Memory Card Game (Matching Pairs)
To play the memory card game, lay all the cards face down in a grid. On your turn, turn over two cards. If they match, keep the pair and go again; if not, turn them back face down and the next player goes. Remember where each picture was. When every pair is found, the player with the most pairs wins, or, playing alone, try to finish in as few turns as you can.
What you need
A set of picture cards in matching pairs (or a deck of playing cards, matching by rank and colour), and a flat table. Young children do well with 6 to 10 pairs; adults can take on 18 pairs or more. The game is also called Concentration, Pairs or Match Up. Play Memory Match online and the cards are shuffled and laid out for you.
The rules
- Shuffle the cards and lay them face down in rows.
- The youngest player goes first (a common house rule).
- Turn over any two cards, one after the other, so everyone can see them.
- A match? Take the pair and turn over two more.
- No match? Turn both back face down in the same places. Your turn ends.
- Play until every pair is found. Most pairs wins.
Playing alone
Solo memory is a great brain game. Count your turns (two cards each) and try to beat your best. With 12 pairs, finishing in under 20 turns is very good. You can't do it in fewer turns than there are pairs, and that only happens with a lot of luck.
Easy variations
- For little kids: play with 6 pairs, face-up practice rounds, or let them keep a card shown for a moment longer.
- For adults: use 18 or more pairs, or match playing cards by rank only.
- Teams: two teams take turns; anyone on the team can help remember.
- Daily challenge: in GameLake, the Daily board is the same for everyone, so you can compare turns with friends.
In GameLake Memory Match you can pick 6 to 18 pairs, play Solo for stars, take on Hops or play friends online. Want to get better? Read our memory game tips.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play the memory card game?
Lay all the cards face down. Take turns turning over two cards. If they match you keep them and go again; if not, turn them back. When all pairs are found, the player with the most pairs wins.
Do you get another turn if you find a match in Memory?
Yes, in most rules a matching pair earns you another turn. That's why remembering cards early pays off.
How many cards do you need for Memory?
Any even number in matching pairs. 12 to 24 cards (6 to 12 pairs) suits young children; 36 cards (18 pairs) is a good challenge for adults.
What is the memory card game also called?
Concentration, Pairs, Match Up, Pexeso and Shinkei-suijaku (in Japan). The rules are the same.
Can you play memory with a regular deck of cards?
Yes. Match cards of the same rank and colour (two red 7s, two black Queens). A full deck makes 26 pairs, so use part of it for a shorter game.