A puzzle about splitting and merging coloured pieces to fill sequences.

Do it at exactly the right moment.

Split and merge pieces, fill in sequences, become the master of timing.

Square One Game Overview

Quick Rules Summary

Players are collecting sequence tiles from a shared market and filling them with coloured pieces of different levels to score points.

Pieces come in four levels. On your turn, you take three actions in any order from a list of six:

Gain a level 1 piece.
Take a sequence tile from the market.
Fill pieces in the topmost empty row of one of your sequences.
Merge pieces into a single higher-level piece.
Split pieces down into multiple lower-level pieces.
Master Action: fill one row across any number of your sequences.

If you complete two or more sequences in a single Master Action, you claim a combo token worth bonus points

How do you win?

The game ends when the Black sequence deck runs out, triggering one final bonus round.

Most points from completed Black sequences and combo tokens.

Main Mechanisms

Hand management, set collection, engine building and combo chaining.

Theme

Abstract. Clean graphic design on a black background with brightly coloured pieces. It looks good on the table.

Setup

Quick. Shuffle two decks, lay out a market of eight sequences, and hand out starting pieces.

Components & Artwork

The coloured plastic pieces are satisfying to handle and distinct enough between levels that the table stays readable.

The sequence tiles are clear and functional.

Ease of Teaching

Very easy. Three actions per turn, six action types, one special rule about the Master Action. Playable after a two-minute explanation.

Similar Games

Project L is the obvious comparison and is the better game.

Square One Review

Positives

A fun puzzle with satisfying combo moments.

The Split and Merge system adds real texture to piece management without overcomplicating things.

It’s different enough from Project L that it doesn’t feel redundant if you own both.

Negatives

Project L is better.

Summary

A clean, well-made abstract puzzler. Fun while it lasts, but Project L sits above it on most shelves.

Jesta ThaRogue