COMPLETE PLAYER GUIDE
How to play Category Cards
Collect every exposed word card in one of three matching category bins before moves or lives run out.
Game goal
Collect every exposed word card in one of three matching category bins before moves or lives run out.
Learning focus: Meaning and semantic categories. Completed answers feed the shared Word Factory learning-progress and weak-word system.
Step-by-step instructions
- Read the three category labels and inspect the exposed stock and tableau cards.
- Tap an exposed card to auto-sort it, or drag it to a category bin.
- To uncover a blocked card, move the top card to an empty column or onto a top card from the same category.
- Tap the stock back to cycle it. Hint · 50 sorts one exposed card correctly.
Winning, mistakes and rating
Complete the level
Collect every required card. A level contains six, nine or twelve cards depending on difficulty.
Mistakes and failure
Every sorting or tableau action consumes one move. An invalid drop or wrong category also removes a life. Zero moves or three lost lives ends the run.
Score and stars
Each correctly collected card awards 100 points. Stars reflect the lives remaining; the move counter determines whether completion is still possible.
How the 1,000 levels become harder
Levels 1–1,000 are mapped across 30 gradual difficulty stages. Individual word length and vocabulary difficulty also follow the current level.
| Level range | What changes |
|---|---|
| Levels 1–100 | Six cards and about 18 moves introduce the three-category layout. |
| Levels 101–500 | The deck expands to nine cards while the move allowance decreases. |
| Levels 501–800 | Twelve cards create deeper tableau piles and more unblocking decisions. |
| Levels 801–1,000 | Twelve cards remain, but the allowance reaches its 12-move minimum. |
Controls and device support
- Tap an exposed card to auto-sort it.
- Drag an exposed card to a bin or compatible tableau column.
- Tap the stock back to cycle cards; Esc pauses.
New-player tips
- Read all category labels before moving.
- Uncover the deepest pile early.
- Avoid unrelated tableau drops because they cost a move and a life.
- Use Hint for an unfamiliar word meaning.
Category Cards FAQ
Why can I not move a covered card?
Only the current stock card and the top card of each tableau pile are exposed.
What can go on a tableau pile?
A card can move to an empty column or onto a top card from the same category.
What ends the level?
Collecting every card wins; zero moves or zero lives loses.