Jewel Columns is a free falling block puzzle. Columns of three jewels drop into the well and you line up three or more of the same jewel to clear them. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Columns (Sega, 1990).
How to play Jewel Columns
- A column of three jewels falls from the top. Move it left or right as it falls.
- Press Up, Space or the Swap button to cycle the order of the jewels in the column.
- Line up three or more of the same jewel in a row, a column or a diagonal to clear them.
- When jewels drop after a clear, they can form new matches. These chains multiply your points.
- The speed goes up as you clear more jewels. The game ends when the well fills to the top.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and Right to move, Up or Space to cycle, Down to drop faster, Shift or X to drop at once. P or Esc to pause.
- Mouse: Click on the well to cycle the jewels. The keyboard handles the movement.
- Touch screen: Use the arrow pad to move and drop, and the Swap button or a tap on the well to cycle. Swipe down to drop at once.
Tips to score higher
- Keep the stacks low and flat. Tall towers leave you little time.
- Look at the Next jewels so you can plan where to place them.
- Diagonal matches are easy to miss. Use them to clear awkward corners.
- Set up a chain by leaving a gap that will line up when the jewels above fall in.
The story behind Jewel Columns
Columns came from Sega in 1990, and it was one of the first big falling block puzzles after Tetris. It was designed by Hirosuke Noguchi, and it replaced tetrominoes with columns of coloured jewels. Its smooth music and chain reactions made it a favourite on the Mega Drive and in arcades. Many people recall their first match three puzzle as this one, with its simple but deep rules. If you grew up in the 90s with a console in the living room, a few minutes of Jewel Columns will bring a warm rush of memories.
Questions players ask
Is Jewel Columns free?
Yes. It is free to play, with no sign up and no download.
Do diagonal matches count?
Yes. Three or more of the same jewel in a row, column or diagonal will clear.
What is a chain?
When jewels fall after a clear and make a new match, that is a chain. Each step in the chain is worth more.
Is it the original Sega game?
No. It is our own game with original art and code, inspired by the classic falling jewel puzzle.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes. Use the arrow pad, the Swap button and the swipe down to drop.