How to play matchstick math
Move exactly one match to turn a false addition or subtraction equation into a true one. Wickcairn uses the following rules:
- Pick an existing match on a number, then choose an empty slot on the same number or another number.
- Keep its direction. Horizontal stays horizontal; vertical stays vertical. Do not turn the match.
- Leave three complete digits from 0 to 9. The +, − and = signs are fixed. You cannot change = into ≠ or create a negative number.
You are relocating one match, so the total number of matches stays the same. Every valid answer is accepted; some puzzles have more than one.
An easy first move
Move the lower-right match of 3 to its empty lower-left slot. The result becomes 2, so 1 + 1 = 2.
Choose a match
Click or tap a match on the equation, then an empty slot. Clicking another match changes your selection; clicking the picked match again cancels it.
For larger buttons, use Choose by position: select First, Second or Result, then a named position. The labels tell you whether it holds a Match or is Empty. The same controls choose both the source and destination.
Correct a mistake
A move that breaks a digit or turns the match is rejected without changing the equation. If a legal move leaves the equation false, use Undo before trying again. Undo is available after a solved puzzle, including after a reload.
Hint marks an exact source and destination. Choose Move this match to apply it. After an incorrect move, Hint first offers to undo that attempt. Restart asks before returning the puzzle to its starting equation.
Keyboard controls
On the equation, Left/Right selects a number and Up/Down cycles through its seven positions. Enter or Space picks or places a match. Escape cancels a selection, and U undoes the move. Tab leaves the equation. The position buttons also work with Tab and Enter.
Daily and Practice
There are 30 original puzzles, with 15 additions and 15 subtractions. Daily and Practice use the same finite collection. Daily rotates by UTC date, so equations repeat. An open Daily stays on its saved date until you choose Play today’s puzzle; the old attempt remains saved.
Continue practice returns to your saved practice puzzle. Next puzzle asks before leaving an unfinished attempt.
Progress stays in this browser when storage is available. A picked match is only a selection; it is not saved until you place it. There is no account or online score.