The abstract game of Qwirkle consists of 108 wooden blocks with six different shapes in six different colors. There is no board, players simply use an available flat surface.

Players begin the game with six blocks. The start player places blocks of a single matching attribute (color or shape but not both) on the table. Thereafter, a player adds blocks adjacent to at least one previously played block. The blocks must all be played in a line and match, without duplicates, either the color or shape of the previous block.

Players score one point for each block played plus all blocks adjacent. It is possible for a block to score in more than one direction. If a player completes a line containing all six shapes or colors, an additional six points are scored. The player then refills his hand to six blocks.

The game ends when the draw bag is depleted and one player plays all of his remaining blocks, earning a six point bonus. The player with the high score wins.

AWARDS & HONORS
2015 Gouden Ludo Nominee
2013 Guldbrikken Best Family Game Nominee
2012 Hungarian Board Game Award Nominee
2011 Spiel des Jahres Winner
2011 Spiel des Jahres Nominee
2011 Kinderspielexperten "8-to-13-year-olds" Nominee
2011 Kinderspielexperten "5-to-9-year-olds" Nominee
2011 Jocul Anului în România Best Game in Romanian Finalist
2011 As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année Nominee
2008 Vuoden Peli Family Game of the Year Nominee
2008 Boardgames Australia Awards Best International Game Nominee
2007 Mensa Select Winner
2007 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee
2007 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Nominee