Continuo: Mastering Rules, Winning Strategies & How to Play Guide

1. Introduction

Continuo is a tile-based game that challenges players to create a continuous line of a single color. The game is simple to learn but offers a depth of strategy that keeps players coming back for more. The equipment needed to play Continuo is minimal, requiring only the game’s unique set of 36 cards, each featuring a 4×4 grid of colored squares. The game is suitable for players of all ages and can be enjoyed by two to five players.

Continuo Tile Game, conceived and designed by Maureen Hiron, is one of the most popular tile-based games in the world. This game, first manufactured and released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Maureen via Coiledspring Games, has since garnered a massive international following.

Hiron, a well-known figure in the domain of board games and an expert bridge player, was pretty renowned for her innovative and engaging game ideas. She is credited with inventing numerous games, but Continuo is, by far, her most successful creation. Her goal with Continuo was “to create a game that was simple to understand, yet challenging and fun to play”.

The game is based on a simple concept of color matching. The pack consists of 42 tiles, each containing eight squares of different colors. Players have to connect tiles by matching the colored squares – the more squares that match, the higher the points scored. Despite its simplicity, the game requires strategic thinking and planning, which adds to its appeal.

What sets Continuo apart from other tile-based games is that it is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all ages, making it a popular choice for families. I find it’s a good one to introduce to younger family members to help them develop matching and thinking skills. Indeed, a few of my friends in teaching have used it as an effective teaching tool in schools to help children develop their visual perception and strategic thinking skills.

The game has won several awards over the years, including the “Game of the Year” award at the UK Games Expo in 1983. Today, Continuo is sold in over 20 countries and has sold more than five million copies worldwide, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Despite its age, Continuo continues to captivate players around the world with its blend of simplicity, strategy, and fun. Its rich history and background serve as proof of its timeless appeal and testament to Maureen Hiron’s vision and creativity.

2. Rules for playing Continuo

1. Each player starts with six cards in their hand.
2. The first player places a card on the table, and the game begins.
3. On their turn, a player must place a card so that at least one square of one color matches a square of the same color on an adjacent card.
4. Players score one point for each square in the continuous line of the same color that they create or extend.
5. The game continues until all cards have been played.
6. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.

While these are the official Continuo rules, players can introduce ‘house rules’ to add variety to the game. For example, a common variation is to play with a time limit, adding an extra layer of challenge.

3. How to Win at Continuo

Winning at Continuo requires a blend of strategic thinking, careful planning, and a keen eye for opportunities. Here are some strategies for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players:

1. Beginners: Focus on scoring points in every turn. Try to extend your own lines of color, but also look for opportunities to block your opponents.
2. Intermediate: Start planning your moves ahead. Look at the cards in your hand and think about how you can use them to create long lines of color in future turns.
3. Advanced: Try to control the game by dictating the pace and direction of play. Use your cards to steer the game towards areas where you can score big points, and away from areas where your opponents can do the same.

4. Best Strategies for playing Continuo game

The best strategies for playing Continuo involve a combination of offensive and defensive play. On the offensive side, aim to create long lines of color that score big points. On the defensive side, try to block your opponents from doing the same. Here are some strategic plays to aim for:

1. Try to keep a variety of colors in your hand. This gives you more options and flexibility in your play.
2. Use your cards to create ‘junctions’ – points where lines of different colors intersect. This can create multiple scoring opportunities in a single turn.
3. Try to ‘trap’ your opponents by placing your cards in such a way that they have limited options for their next move.

5. Scenarios for Continuo

Playing Continuo can lead to a variety of scenarios, both good and bad. Here are some common situations a player might find themselves in, and how they can turn these scenarios to their advantage:

Scenario: You have a hand full of cards with the same color. Strategy: Use this to your advantage by creating a long line of that color. This can score big points and put pressure on your opponents.

Scenario: Your opponent is about to complete a long line of color. Strategy: Try to block them by placing a card that interrupts their line.

Scenario: You are running low on cards. Strategy: Try to make your remaining cards count by placing them in positions that score the most points.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about playing Continuo game

Q: Can I play a card that doesn’t match any colors on the table? A: No, you must always match at least one square of one color with a square of the same color on an adjacent card.

Q: What happens if I run out of cards? A: If you run out of cards, you must pass your turn until all other players have also played all their cards.

Q: Can I play more than one card in a turn? A: No, you can only play one card per turn.

External Links

Maureen Hiron passed away in 2022 after a long career in board games – obituary

Continuo game review [Video]