How to play Gnome Memory
- Choose Easy (6 pairs), Normal (8 pairs) or Hard (12 pairs), then press Play.
- Tap a card to flip it, then flip a second card.
- If the two cards match, they stay face up. If not, they flip back after a moment, so try to remember what you saw.
- Find every pair to finish. The clock starts when you flip your first card.
The cards show four gnomes in different hats (red, blue, green and purple), plus a mushroom, an acorn, a lantern, a tulip, a carrot, a strawberry, a snail and a watering can. Each round uses a random set of them, so no two games are the same.
Moves and stars
Every time you flip two cards counts as one move. The fewer moves you need, the more stars you earn:
| Difficulty | Pairs | 3 stars | 2 stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 6 | 9 moves or fewer | 14 moves or fewer |
| Normal | 8 | 12 moves or fewer | 18 moves or fewer |
| Hard | 12 | 18 moves or fewer | 27 moves or fewer |
Your best result (the fewest moves) for each difficulty is saved in your browser.
Tips for a better score
- Work in rows. Flip cards in order across the board early on, so their positions are easier to remember.
- Say it out loud. Naming the card (“purple gnome, top left”) helps it stick, and it makes the game more fun with kids.
- Go for the sure thing. If your first card matches one you’ve already seen, flip that one next before you explore new cards.
- Watch the hats. On Hard, the four gnomes look alike at a glance. Check the hat color before you flip.
Playing with kids
Easy mode, with six pairs on a 4 by 3 board, is a good start for preschoolers. Older kids can race a parent on the same device, taking turns and comparing moves. Turn the sound off if you’re playing somewhere quiet. The button is below the board.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gnome Memory free?
Yes. It’s free to play in your browser with no download, sign-up or in-app purchases.
Can I play Gnome Memory with a keyboard?
Yes. Use Tab or the arrow keys to move between cards and press Enter or Space to flip.
Does it work on phones?
Yes. The cards resize to fit your screen. On Hard, the board is 4 cards wide on phones and 6 wide on larger screens.