Flash Memory

Overview

Flash Memory is a classic memory game. For a few seconds you see a sequence of symbols (circle, triangle, square, star), then you have to redo it in the same order. Round after round the sequences get longer, from 3 up to 7 symbols, or 8 in Frenzy.

You can play alone as well. At the higher difficulties the symbols are all the same color, so you only have to remember the shape.

How a round goes

1. The host picks the difficulty (easy, medium, hard or Frenzy) and the number of rounds (3, 5 or 7).
2. The sequence to memorize appears for a few seconds.
3. The sequence disappears and you recreate it in the right order.
4. Each symbol in the right place is worth 100 points; if the sequence is perfect there are another 100 points plus a speed bonus.
5. In the next round the sequence is longer. Whoever has the most points wins.

Tips to win

• Group symbols two or three at a time: «circle-star», «square-triangle» are easier blocks to remember than four separate items.
• Repeat the sequence in your head or under your breath while you watch it, not after it has gone.
• Do not rush in the early rounds: a perfect sequence gives another 100 points, more than the speed bonus alone.
• At the higher difficulties, invent a name for each shape and a small story: verbal memory helps visual memory.

For the host: settings and tips

• In easy and medium the symbols have different colors; in hard they are all the same color and only the shape matters.
• In Frenzy the preview lasts 1 second per symbol (5 seconds at most) and you have 10 seconds to repeat; the sequence grows from 3 to 8 symbols, one more every 5 rounds, and there is no final round.
• In Frenzy, if you fail you get a single retry per match: the same sequence is shown to you again before you try once more. A second mistake takes you out of the race; whoever stays in the game longest wins, and alone the result is how many rounds you clear.