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