> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qrdyai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Hepta Tips & Strategies for 3 Stars

> Practical Hepta tips to plan your merges, use the ripple, and solve in fewer moves so you can earn 3 stars while playing calm and unhurried.

Hepta is easy to learn and hard to master, and a few simple habits go a long way toward those three stars. None of these tips require coins or boosters, just a calm head and a little planning.

## Plan your merge direction

When two pieces merge, the tile you **drop onto keeps its score**. So which piece you drag onto which one really matters. Before you move, think about which tile you want to keep and drag the other piece onto it.

<Tip>
  Picture the result before you let go. Choosing the right "keep" tile is the heart of every smart move.
</Tip>

## Use the ripple to your advantage

Each merge **ripples to the four tiles around it** (up, down, left, and right), scoring points on them. You can use this on purpose: line up your merges so the ripple lands where it helps most, scoring nearby tiles in a single move.

The same ripple is also how you deal with **stones**. Merge on a tile next to a stone and the ripple cracks it, so you never need a special button to clear obstacles.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Aim the ripple" icon="arrows-to-dot">
    Place merges so the four surrounding tiles get the most out of each move.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Break stones with merges" icon="gem">
    Merge beside a stone to crack it with the ripple.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Solve in fewer moves

Stars come from efficiency: the **fewer moves** you use, the more stars you earn, up to three. If you are chasing a perfect score, look for moves that do double duty, like a merge that also ripples onto useful tiles or cracks a stone at the same time.

Your best move count is saved for every level, so you can always replay a level later and try to beat it.

## Tap Hint when you are stuck

If you are not sure where to go next, use the **Hint** button. It highlights the **next good move**, which is a great way to get unstuck or to study how an efficient solution comes together.

## Play calm

There is **no timer** and no pressure in Hepta. Take a breath, look over the whole board, and move when you are ready. Calm, deliberate play is usually what leads to the cleanest, lowest-move solutions.

<Tip>
  No ads, no timer, no rush. The relaxed pace is part of the puzzle, not a distraction from it.
</Tip>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How to Play" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/hepta/how-to-play">
    Learn the merge, the target, and the board.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Merging & Scoring" icon="calculator" href="/hepta/merging-and-scoring">
    Understand direction, points, and the ripple.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>