What Is Simon?
Simon is a memory pattern game inspired by the classic 1978 electronic toy by Milton Bradley. The game displays a sequence of colored flashes — green, red, yellow, and blue — and you must repeat the sequence from memory. Each round adds one more color to the sequence, testing how far your short-term memory can stretch. It's a brilliantly simple concept that becomes incredibly challenging.
How to Play Simon
- Click 'Start' to begin. Simon will flash one colored panel.
- Watch carefully, then click the same colored panel.
- If correct, Simon adds another color to the sequence and replays it.
- Repeat the growing sequence from memory each round.
- One mistake and the game is over — your score is the last sequence length you completed.
- Try to beat your personal best!
Basic Rules
- The game starts with a single color flash.
- Each successful round adds one more color to the sequence.
- You must repeat the entire sequence in order, from the beginning.
- The sequence plays faster as it gets longer.
- One wrong color ends the game immediately.
- Your score equals the number of rounds you completed.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Watch the sequence carefully without distractions.
- Try grouping colors into chunks of 3-4 to aid memory (like phone numbers).
- Associate each color with a position: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right.
- Practice saying the colors in your head as they flash: 'green, red, red, blue...'
- Stay calm under pressure — panicking leads to mistakes.
Real Examples of Gameplay
Early Rounds
Round 1: Green flashes. You click green. Round 2: Green, Red. You click green, then red. Round 3: Green, Red, Blue.
Deep Memory
By Round 8, the sequence is Green, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Green, Red, Blue — your working memory is seriously tested!
Variations of Simon
- Classic Simon: Standard rules with four colors and growing sequences.
- Simon Extreme: Colors flash faster and the sequence grows by 2 per round.
Why People Love Simon
- Simon is pure memory training disguised as a game.
- The tension builds naturally as sequences grow longer — each round is a small victory.
- The inevitable mistake is never frustrating because you can always try again. Perfect for quick brain exercise sessions.
Play Simon Online for Free
Play Simon free in your browser with vibrant color panels and satisfying visual feedback. Track your best score and see how long a sequence you can remember. No downloads needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good Simon score?
Most casual players can handle sequences of 7-10 colors. Scores above 15 show excellent short-term memory. The world record for the physical Simon game is over 30 — a remarkable feat of memory.
Does playing Simon improve memory?
Yes! Simon-style pattern repetition exercises your working memory — the same cognitive function used for remembering phone numbers, directions, and task sequences. Regular play can help strengthen this skill.
Start Playing Now
Simon is the ultimate memory challenge in its purest form. Watch, remember, repeat — and see just how far your memory can take you. Quick to play, endlessly challenging.