The Lines

How to Play The Lines

The Lines is a classic puzzle game where you score points by aligning colored balls into lines. Available on iPhone and iPad.

Objective

Score as many points as possible by arranging colored balls into lines of 5 or more on the game board. The game ends when the board fills up completely.

How to Move

  1. Tap a ball to select it — it will start bouncing.
  2. Tap an empty cell to move the ball there.
  3. The ball must have a clear path — it can't jump over other balls.
  4. If there's no path available, the ball won't move.

Scoring

When 5 or more balls of the same color form a straight line — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — they are cleared from the board and you earn points.

  • 5 balls: 5 points
  • 6 balls: 7 points
  • 7 balls: 9 points
  • 8 balls: 11 points
  • 9 balls: 12 points

If you clear a line with your move, no new balls spawn that turn.

Streak Bonus

Clear lines on consecutive turns to build a streak! Each consecutive clear earns bonus points:

  • 1st clear — no bonus
  • 2nd clear in a row — +5 bonus
  • 3rd clear in a row — +10 bonus
  • 4th clear in a row — +15 bonus
  • And so on (+5 per streak)

The streak resets when you make a move that doesn't clear a line. Building streaks is a great way to boost your score!

Spawning

After each move that doesn't clear a line, 3 new balls appear on the board in random empty positions. As the board fills up, planning ahead becomes crucial.

Preview Dots

Small dots on the board show you:

  • Where the next 3 balls will appear
  • What color they'll be

Use this preview to plan your moves strategically. If you move a ball to a preview spot, that ball will spawn elsewhere instead.

Undo

Made a mistake? Use the Undo button to take back your last move.

  • Standard mode: 1 free undo per game (watch an ad for more)
  • Premium: Unlimited undos

Game Modes

Standard

The default mode with preview dots, assist-based color spawning, and normal undo.

Hard (Premium)

A tougher challenge:

  • No preview dots on the board
  • Undo is limited to toggling your very last move
  • Fully random color spawning (no assist)

Board Sizes

  • 9×9 — The classic board (free)
  • 10×10 — More space, more challenge (Premium)
  • 11×11 — The ultimate grid (Premium)

Tips

  • Check the preview before every move — plan where balls will appear.
  • Build multiple partial lines at once to maximize clearing potential.
  • Keep the center clear — it gives you more movement options.
  • Aim for longer lines (6, 7+) for bonus points.
  • Build streaks by clearing lines on consecutive turns for extra points.
  • Save your undo for critical moments when one mistake could fill the board.
  • Think two moves ahead — consider where the next spawn will go after your move.