Game guide

How to play Country Grid

Nine squares, each with two clues: one from its row, one from its column. Fill every square with a country that fits both, using each country only once. Three wrong guesses and the game is over.

▶ Play Country Grid
  • New grid every day
  • 9 squares
  • 3 lives

The rules in 4 steps

  1. 1

    Each row and each column has a clue, like “In Europe” or “Uses the euro”.

  2. 2

    Tap a square and name a country that matches both its row and its column.

  3. 3

    Each country can be used once. A wrong guess costs one of your three lives.

  4. 4

    Fill as many squares as you can. Six or more keeps your streak going.

Tips to score higher

  • Fill the hardest squares first; easy ones can wait.
  • Each country can be used only once, so save all-rounders like France or Brazil.
  • A wrong answer costs a life. If you’re unsure, try another square first.
  • Small island nations often fit both “No land borders” and “Under 2 million people”.

Questions about Country Grid

Which countries count?

Independent countries only (193 of them, Vatican City included). Territories like Greenland or Puerto Rico don’t count.

Does every square have an answer?

Yes. Every grid is checked so each square has at least three possible countries.

What counts as a “dollar” or “franc” currency?

Any currency with that word in its name, like the Canadian dollar or the CFA franc.

Is it the same for everyone?

Yes. Everyone gets the same grid each day, and a new one arrives at midnight in your time zone.

Ready to play?

Today’s Country Grid puzzle is waiting. It’s free, and you don’t need an account.

▶ Play now

How to play our other games

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