How to Play

What is Set?

This online Set game challenges you to find all 6 sets among 12 cards as quickly as possible.

You'll see 12 unique cards arranged in a grid. Each card varies in four features: Number Shape Shading Color

Goal: Find all 6 sets of three cards hidden in the grid and beat your best time!

Card Features

Each card has exactly four features, with three possible values for each feature.

Number of Shapes

One diamond
One
Two diamonds Two diamonds
Two
Three diamonds Three diamonds Three diamonds
Three

Shape

Diamond
Diamond
Squiggle
Squiggle
Oval
Oval

Shading

Solid shading
Solid
Striped shading
Striped
Open shading
Open

Color

Red color
Red
Green color
Green
Purple color
Purple
What Makes a Set?

A "set" consists of three cards where each feature is either all the same OR all different across the three cards.

The Golden Rule:

For each of the four features (number, shape, shading, color), the three cards must be either:

  • All the same - all three cards have identical values for that feature
  • All different - all three cards have different values for that feature

NOT a Set:

If you can sort three cards into "two of ____ and one of ____" for any feature, then it is NOT a set.

Example Sets

Here are some examples of valid sets and why they work.

Example 1: All Different

1 solid red diamond
2 striped green squiggles 2 striped green squiggles
3 open purple ovals 3 open purple ovals 3 open purple ovals

Why it's a set: Number (1,2,3 - all different), Shape (diamond,squiggle,oval - all different), Shading (solid,striped,open - all different), Color (red,green,purple - all different)

Example 2: Mixed Same and Different

3 solid red diamonds 3 solid red diamonds 3 solid red diamonds
2 solid green squiggles 2 solid green squiggles
1 solid purple oval

Why it's a set: Number (3,2,1 - all different), Shape (diamond,squiggle,oval - all different), Shading (solid,solid,solid - all same), Color (red,green,purple - all different)

Example 3: NOT a Set

1 solid red diamond
1 solid red squiggle
2 striped green ovals 2 striped green ovals

Why it's NOT a set: Number (1,1,2 - two same, one different), Color (red,red,green - two same, one different). This violates the "all same or all different" rule.

How to Play This Game

Master this online Set Game with these rules.

Getting Started

  1. Click "Start Game" to begin a new challenge
  2. 12 cards will appear in a 4×3 grid
  3. The timer starts immediately - work fast!

Finding Sets

  1. Click on three cards that you think form a set
  2. Selected cards will be highlighted in blue
  3. If correct, the cards will be marked as found and shown in the sidebar
  4. If incorrect, the selection will clear and you can try again
  5. No penalties for wrong guesses - keep guessing!

Winning the Game

  • Goal: Find all 6 sets hidden among the 12 cards
  • Timer: Your time is recorded with millisecond precision
  • Challenge: Beat your previous best time
  • Completion: Game ends when all 6 sets are found

Game Features

  • Visual feedback: Found sets are shown in the sidebar along with the time if enabled
  • Progress tracking: See how many sets you've found (X/6)
  • Settings: Toggle card numbers for easier reference
  • Dark mode: Switch between light and dark themes
Tips and Strategy

Improve your Set-finding speed with these helpful tips.

Speed Strategies

  • Start systematic: Pick two cards and calculate what the third card must be
  • Use card numbers: Enable "Show Numbers" in settings to quickly reference cards
  • Focus on patterns: Look for obvious "all same" or "all different" patterns first
  • Work in sections: Scan the grid methodically rather than randomly

Cool Facts

  • Every game has exactly 6 sets among the 12 cards
  • Cards can be part of multiple sets - look for overlaps
  • The game guarantees all 6 sets are findable - keep looking!
  • Average completion time varies, but under 2 minutes is excellent
Ready for the Challenge?

Now that you understand the rules, see how fast you can find all 6 sets!

Start Set Challenge Game Settings

Pro tip: Enable "Show Numbers" in settings if you're playing with a group - it makes referring to cards much easier!