Rules & System Mechanics of Move 1 Stick

Every puzzle presented to the player has been proven by our procedural engine to be solvable in exactly one legal matchstick relocation.

• You cannot discard a matchstick from the board (the total number of active sticks must remain constant).
• You cannot add new matchsticks from an external supply.
• You cannot break, rotate into diagonal angles, or stack matchsticks on top of each other. Every stick must align cleanly with the 7-segment grid.
• Moving a stick across the equals sign (from LHS to RHS, or RHS to LHS) is completely valid and often required.

All numerical symbols are evaluated against the canonical electronic 7-segment display standard. Any move that produces a shape not defined in this canonical matrix is invalid:

Leading Zero Restriction: Equations such as 05 + 4 = 9 or 09 - 2 = 7 are mathematically rejected by the evaluation parser. A zero is only acceptable when standing alone as an independent number (e.g., 0 + 8 = 8).

Unlike physical matchstick games where invalid placements leave the puzzle disarranged, Move 1 Stick incorporates an automated recovery engine:

• When you drop a lifted matchstick into a slot that yields an incorrect equation or an invalid symbol, the board initiates a shake animation.
• After exactly 320 milliseconds, the stick returns automatically to its source slot.
• During this 320ms return window, board input is temporarily locked to avoid state race conditions or accidental double-placements.
• Moves Count Tracking: Every attempted placement (successful or failed) increments your level moves counter by +1. Lifting a stick and pressing Undo (or tapping the lifted stick again) cancels the pick without incrementing the moves counter.

Every level begins with a 60-second countdown clock. However, Move 1 Stick is designed around calm cognitive flow rather than harsh penalty states:

• If the timer reaches 00:00, you do not fail or lose progress.
• The countdown badge automatically transitions into an amber Overtime badge (e.g., +00:05 (65s)).
• You may take as long as necessary to solve the puzzle. The only difference is that the maximum speed bonus (+60 points) requires solving within the initial 60 seconds.
• When your browser tab is minimized or hidden, the timer automatically pauses to ensure true wall-clock tracking.

Players start with 3 Hints. Activating a hint pulses the exact matchstick to lift in glowing gold and highlights its target destination.

• You earn +1 Hint upon completing every 5th level (Level 5, 10, 15, 20...), capped at a maximum inventory of 5 hints.
• Practice Mode: If you use the search bar or footer quick-jump links to navigate to a level lower than your highest completed milestone, that level is played in Practice Mode. Practice levels do not award leaderboard points or increment your win streak, preventing artificial score inflation.