How Chain scores your solve
Every time you submit a solve, Chain compares your move count to the shortest possible path through that puzzle.
The closer you are to optimal, the better your rating. Here is what each rating means and how to earn more Perfect scores.
The three ratings: Perfect, Sharp, and Scrambled
Chain awards one of three ratings based on how many moves you used relative to the optimal solve count.
A Perfect score means you matched the shortest path — no wasted moves. Sharp means you were one move over optimal. Scrambled means you used two or more extra moves.
How the optimal move count is calculated
When you finish a puzzle, Chain runs a breadth-first search from the start number to find the shortest chain of operations that reaches the target.
That count is fixed for the puzzle — it does not change based on who plays it or when. Everyone competing on a given day is measured against the same minimum.
Why your rating history matters
Your Stats screen shows a distribution of Perfect, Sharp, and Scrambled scores across all your completed daily puzzles. Over time that spread tells you whether your planning habits are improving.
Most players see their Sharp and Scrambled solves convert to Perfect as they get better at reading when to use Flip as a setup move versus a finishing move.
What affects your rating
Only your submitted move count matters. How many undos you used, how long you took, or how many times you reset do not affect your rating.
The only way to improve your rating on a given day is to reach the target in fewer moves before you submit. Once you submit, the rating is locked.
- Undos do not penalise your rating — only your final move count does.
- Resets do not penalise your rating either.
- Taking longer to think costs nothing — plan before you commit.
FAQ
Can I see the optimal solution after I finish?
Yes. After submitting, the result screen shows the optimal move count. The Yesterday button shows a full walkthrough of the previous day's optimal path.
Is there a streak system in Chain?
Yes. Chain tracks your current streak of consecutive daily puzzles completed. Your current streak and longest streak both appear on the Stats screen.
Does Hard Mode use the same rating thresholds?
Yes. The same Perfect, Sharp, and Scrambled thresholds apply, measured against the Hard Mode optimal move count, which is longer than the standard puzzle.
Keep exploring
How to play Chain
Learn how the three Chain operations work, what separates a sharp solve from a messy one, and the planning habits that help you find shorter paths.
Chain Hard Mode guide
Understand Chain Hard Mode: longer daily number puzzles, a higher move limit, limited undo and reset usage, and separate stats.