Lianliankan
Match identical tiles through clear paths.
↑ This is Lianliankan running right here in your browser — no download needed.
About the game
Lianliankan, or 'Shisen-Sho', is a tile-matching puzzle where you connect two identical tiles with a path of at most two turns. Clear the board before time or moves run out.
How to play
Click two matching tiles; if a path with no more than two corners links them, both disappear. Clear all pairs to win.
Tips & strategy
['Work from the edges inward to free blocked tiles.', 'Prioritize pairs that unblock many others.', 'Watch the timer and keep options open.']
Advanced guide
Win Lianliankan by managing the board's openness. Start with perimeter pairs to unlock the interior, and avoid removing a tile that currently blocks nothing while leaving paired tiles hemmed in. When few moves remain, shuffle strategically rather than forcing bad matches.
History & origins
A staple of early Chinese PC gaming, Lianliankan remains a favorite coffee-break puzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't these two match?
Their connecting path would need more than two turns.
What clears the most space?
Removing tiles at the board's border opens interior paths.
Is there a shuffle if stuck?
Many versions offer a shuffle when no moves remain.
How is the path counted?
At most two right-angle turns and no crossing tiles.
Can I match diagonally?
No, only orthogonal connections count.
What is a good first move?
Clear a long edge row to expose inner tiles.
Where can I play Lianliankan for free?
Right on this page — Lianliankan is embedded above, free, legal, and with no download or sign-up. Play with your keyboard on desktop or touch controls on mobile. Your best score is saved in your browser, so it's still there next time. Every game here is original or open-source, with links that stay valid.