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I’m always on the lookout for board games that are easy to learn, have replayability, are language-independent, and can be played over and over again. Match Madness checks all those boxes! The game is designed by Jeppe Norsker and published by FoxMinid Games. It takes about 20 minutes to play. I sceptically snuck the game into my hockey bag because I’ve been trying to convince some of my friends to play board games after practices. Match Madness was a hit. Watching my teammates furiously flip, rotate, and stack blocks between games was hilarious—and surprisingly intense.
The only downside? It maxes out at four players. I’m seriously considering picking up a second copy so we can either run two simultaneous games or go big with an eight-player showdown.
Components
20 Playing Blocks: four sets of five distinct blocks, each numbered 1–5. The blocks are sturdy and are the heart of the game. They each have unique designs on every side for endless pattern combinations
60 Pattern Cards: These cards come in five difficulty levels, each featuring distinct border colors and lines to indicate their complexity. With 12 cards per level, the game offers challenges for all skill levels
Objective
The goal is simple—match the pattern on the card faster than everyone else using your set of five unique blocks. Rotate your blocks to win the card, and at the end of the game, whoever has the most cards (we play to 5 cards) wins! But don’t get sloppy: one wrong move, and you’re out for the round.
Setup
Hand each player a set of five blocks. These are numbered for easy reference and sanity checks during the game
Shuffle the deck of 60 pattern cards (by color for difficulty or go nuts) and decide how many rounds you want to play
Place the chosen number of cards in a new deck at the centre of the table
Make intense eye contact, flip the first card, and let the madness begin
Gameplay
Flip over the top card, revealing a pattern that looks simple... until it’s not
Everyone scrambles to recreate the design with their blocks—flipping, stacking, and sometimes staring blankly as their brain shortcuts
The first player to complete the pattern shouts Done! (or your group’s equivalent of victory-speak), grabs the card, and triumphantly proves their match
Made a mistake? Oof! The card goes back into play, and you’re benched for that round
Endgame
Once all the cards are claimed, the player with the most wins! In case of a tie, the most challenging cards (Level 5, anyone?) break it. Still tied? Count Level 4 cards and so on
We usually play to whoever picks up 5 cards first unless we are strapped for time and we play to 3 cards
Pros
Quick to learn and play
Fast-paced gameplay: no downtime! Each round is a race against time and your opponents
Simple to teach: set up in minutes, explain in seconds, and let the madness unfold
Scalable challenge: five levels of difficulty mean the game grows with your skills
Great for all ages: From kids to grown-ups, everyone can jump in and enjoy
Language independent
Colour blind friendly
Play well at every count!
Cons
Player limit: Only four people can play at once—buying a second copy might be worth it for larger groups
Pressure-packed: Not ideal if you have players who don’t thrive under time pressure
Mistakes are punishing: One wrong move, and you're out for the round—fair but frustrating when playing with children
Match Madness Key Features
Tactile delight: the chunky, colorful blocks are satisfying to handle and make the game feel more engaging than your typical card-matching puzzle
Brain-twisting fun: The spatial puzzles are deceptively challenging, testing your reflexes and your ability to think in 3D
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high-energy game that’s easy to learn and endlessly replayable, Match Madness fits the bill. It’s great for families, casual game nights, or even as a brain-boosting icebreaker.
Grab your blocks, shuffle those cards, and get ready to match your way to glory!
