Game guides, rules and strategy tips
Learn the rules in minutes, then the tricks that win games. Every guide links straight to a free game you can practise on, against the computer or with a friend.
The best 2 player games for kids (free in your browser)Looking for two player games your kids will actually want to play? Here are our favourites, grouped by feel, with who each one suits and how long a game takes.7 min readFree games to play with friends online, no download neededSend a link, your friend opens it, and you're playing. Here's how PlayTrova's online games work, which ones you can play together, and how to run a great game night over a video call.6 min readHow to win at Tic-Tac-Toe (and never lose again)Tic-Tac-Toe looks like luck, but it is pure strategy. Learn the best opening, the fork trick and the one reply that stops every trap.4 min readHow to play checkers: the rules, kings and how to winCheckers is quick to learn and surprisingly deep. Here are the full rules, including forced jumps and kings, plus the strategy that actually wins games.6 min readHow to play Mancala: rules, setup and tips to winMancala takes two minutes to learn: scoop, sow and fill your store. Here are the full rules, plus the free-turn and capture tricks that win games.7 min readFour in a Row strategy: how to win more gamesFour in a Row is a game of threats, not luck. Learn the middle-column opening, the bottom-row trap, stacked threats and the odd-even row trick that strong players use.7 min readMath games for kids: fun, free ways to practise numbersA minute or two of playful number practice is an easy way to keep math skills fresh. Here's how to use Math Race and other free PlayTrova games to make math something kids ask to play.6 min readMemory game tips: remember more cards and find pairs fasterGood memory game players aren't born with super memories. They use a few simple habits that anyone, from a young child to a grandparent, can learn in an afternoon.6 min readReversi strategy: how to win at Reversi (plus the rules)In Reversi, flipping the most discs early is a classic beginner trap. Learn the rules, then the corner, mobility and endgame ideas that actually win.6 min readDots and Boxes strategy: how to win with chains and the double-crossDots and Boxes looks like a simple pencil game, but most games are decided by chains. Learn the rules, the double-cross trick and the long chain rule.7 min readSea Battle strategy: how to find and sink every shipThe hidden-fleet guessing game is not just lucky guessing. A simple search pattern, a little logic after every hit and a smart fleet will sink your opponent's ships in far fewer shots.7 min readHow to play Gomoku: rules and strategy for Five in a RowGomoku takes a minute to learn: line up five stones before your opponent does. Here are the rules, the shapes that matter and how to build an unstoppable double threat.6 min read