Dogs Connect Deluxe is a tile-matching puzzle game that combines classic Mahjong connect mechanics with a charming canine theme. Played entirely in your browser, this HTML5 game challenges you to clear a board filled with tiles by finding and linking identical pairs.
It's an engaging and relaxing experience for puzzle fans and dog lovers alike.
The core gameplay is straightforward yet challenging. You must find two identical dog-themed tiles on the board that can be connected. The rule is that the path between them cannot have more than two 90-degree turns and must not be obstructed by any other tiles.
You simply click on the first tile and then on its matching partner. If the connection is valid, the tiles will disappear, opening up the board and revealing new potential matches.
The goal is to clear the entire grid before the timer at the top of the screen runs out.
Unlike traditional Mahjong solitaire, which focuses on removing open pairs, Dogs Connect Deluxe is a 'connect-2' style game, similar to Onet or Shisen-Sho. Instead of bamboo and dragon symbols, each tile features a unique and adorable illustration of a different dog breed.
This thematic twist makes the game visually appealing and adds a layer of fun as you search for matching pairs of Corgis, Pugs, and Dalmatians. The ticking clock adds a light arcade-style pressure, pushing you to find connections quickly and efficiently to beat each level.
If you get stuck, the game provides a couple of helpful tools. You have a limited number of 'Hint' buttons, which will reveal a valid matching pair for you.
There's also a 'Shuffle' button that will rearrange all the remaining tiles on the board, which is useful when you've run out of possible moves.
A good strategy is to focus on clearing tiles from the center of the board first, as this tends to open up more connection pathways than just clearing the edges. Try to anticipate how removing one pair will affect potential future matches.
You can enjoy Dogs Connect Deluxe for free directly in your web browser. As an HTML5 game, it requires no downloads or installations.
This means you can easily play it on most devices, including on school or work networks that might block other gaming sites, for a quick and fun puzzle break.
The main objective in Dogs Connect Deluxe is to clear the entire board of all tiles before the timer expires. To do this, you must find and connect pairs of identical dog-themed tiles.
Controls are simple and intuitive, using only your mouse. Left click on a tile to select it, then left click on its identical match elsewhere on the board. If the match is valid, the pair will be removed.
You can only connect two tiles if a path can be drawn between them using three or fewer straight lines (which means no more than two 90-degree turns). Critically, this path cannot be blocked by any other tiles on the board.
Clearing each level will advance you to a new, more complex layout.
Scan the Perimeter - Start by looking for matching tiles along the outer edges of the grid, as they have the most open space for connections. Prioritize Adjacent Tiles - The easiest matches are identical tiles sitting right next to each other.
Clear these first to quickly reduce the number of tiles on the board. Use Hints Sparingly - You only have a few hints available. Save them for when you are completely stuck and can't find any pairs on your own.
Shuffle as a Last Resort - Shuffling the board can reveal new moves, but it also disrupts your mental map. Use it only when you've exhausted all other options.
Think One Step Ahead - Before making an obvious match, see if removing those tiles will unblock a path for a different, more trapped pair. Watch the Clock - Keep an eye on the timer.
If it's running low, focus on making any valid match you can find, rather than searching for the most strategic one.
