How to Play Tangram

THE PLAYBOOK · MILUPIANO

Play Tangram with the rules at hand

Choose a round of Tangram and settle into its rules. Fill the square target with seven pieces, without gaps or overlap. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.

Arrange seven pieces into the square target. Rotate or flip a piece to fit; this game currently offers one target shape.

One thing to notice as you play

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Aim for this result

Fill the square target with seven pieces, without gaps or overlap. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

A walkthrough of the rules

1. Drag a selected piece.
2. Rotate in 45-degree steps or flip it.
3. Use snapping for precise alignment.
4. Check the layout or use one-piece assistance.

How to use the controls

Mouse/touch dragging and rotate/flip buttons. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.

An example to follow

The parallelogram may need flipping rather than rotation. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Take a moment to compare.

A common point of confusion

Overlaps do not count as filling the target. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Answers about the rules and controls