How to Play Snake
Everything you need to know to master the classic snake game, from basic controls to advanced strategies that will help you dominate the leaderboard.
The Basics
The Objective
Guide your snake around the board to eat food that appears at random positions. Each piece of food you eat makes your snake grow longer and increases your score. The goal is to grow as long as possible without crashing.
Controls
Use the arrow keys or WASD keys on your keyboard to change the direction of your snake. The snake moves continuously in the current direction, so you only need to steer it. You cannot reverse direction directly into yourself.
Game Over
The game ends when your snake collides with the walls of the playing field or runs into its own body. As your snake grows longer, avoiding yourself becomes increasingly challenging, so plan your movements carefully.
Controls Reference
| Key | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ↑ ↓ ← → | Move | Use the arrow keys to steer your snake up, down, left, or right. |
| W A S D | Move | Alternative movement controls using the WASD keys for a more comfortable hand position. |
| P | Pause | Pause or resume the game at any time. Useful when you need a moment to plan your next moves. |
| R | Restart | Restart the game and begin a fresh round with a new snake at the starting position. |
| Space | Restart after Game Over | Press the spacebar on the game over screen to quickly start a new game. |
Winning Strategies
Plan Your Path Ahead
Always think two or three moves ahead. Before changing direction, consider where your snake's body will be and where you need to go next. Reactive playing leads to dead ends.
Hug the Walls Carefully
Moving along the edges of the board can be a safe strategy early on, as it limits the directions threats can come from. However, be cautious not to box yourself in against a wall.
Keep the Centre Open
Try to keep the middle of the board as clear as possible. The centre gives you the most escape routes and options for manoeuvring when the snake becomes longer.
Don't Chase Your Tail
Following your own tail in a tight loop might seem safe, but it can quickly trap you. Instead, use wide, sweeping paths that give you room to react to new food placement.
Use Consistent Patterns
Develop a consistent movement pattern such as a zig-zag or a spiral. Patterns help you cover the board efficiently and reduce the chance of accidentally colliding with yourself.
Stay Calm at High Speeds
As the game speeds up, resist the urge to make frantic moves. Keep a steady rhythm and trust your muscle memory. Panic is the number one cause of late-game crashes.
Advanced Tips
Corner Technique
When approaching corners, always turn early rather than late. Cutting corners too tightly is a common mistake that leads to wall collisions. Leave yourself a one-cell buffer whenever possible.
Spiral Pattern
The spiral technique involves coiling inward from the edges of the board toward the centre. This is highly effective in the late game when your snake occupies most of the board space.
Edge Following
Systematically follow the edges in a rectangular pattern, gradually tightening toward the centre. This approach maximises coverage and minimises the risk of self-collision on longer runs.
Gap Management
As your snake grows, carefully manage the gaps between your body segments. Always ensure there is at least one escape route available. If a gap is closing, reroute before it is too late.