Connections

About this board game

Connections is a 20-minute puzzle game for 1–4 players about building the best pipe network on an individual 5×5 grid. Inspired by tile-laying puzzles such as Take It Easy, it challenges you to connect pipes while avoiding disconnected exits and unusable spaces.

Each player begins with an identical set of tiles showing different combinations of thick and thin pipes. Every board starts with a central “plus” connection, while most edges feature numbered exit pipes. Exit pipes count as both widths, allowing them to connect with either type of pipe.

One player becomes the caller and shuffles their tiles face down. On each turn, the caller draws a tile and names the object shown on it, allowing everyone to find the matching tile in their own set. All players then place that tile on their personal board.

• Tiles must be placed next to the central starting connection or next to another tile.
• Pipes may connect only to pipes of the appropriate width.
• Pipes cannot connect to empty board edges.
• If a tile cannot or should not be played, it may be placed face down with its spiral back showing.

After 24 tiles have been placed, players score their layouts. Each visible spiral tile is worth 1 point, while every exit pipe that is not connected to the grid scores between 1 and 3 points. The player with the fewest points wins.

With identical tile sets and simultaneous placement, Connections gives every player the same opportunities while leaving the final network up to individual decisions. Plan each connection carefully and keep your grid tidy to minimize your score.