Question 1

Why does the Stingray feel easier than its size suggests?

Accepted Answer

Most of the layout, both wide fins and the long tail, is only a single tile layer thick. Single-layer tiles free up the moment their neighbor on one side is gone, so the board hands you a large supply of open tiles right away and only the small central body involves any real stacking.

Question 2

Should I clear the tail early or save it for last?

Accepted Answer

You can chip at the tail tip early to get matches moving, but it is worth leaving most of the tail intact as long as possible. Its single-file tiles come free predictably and make excellent partners for the body tiles you uncover at the end, giving you a reliable supply for the final clears.

Question 3

What is the single most likely place to get stuck?

Accepted Answer

The top layer of the rounded-diamond body. Those tiles stay blocked until the fins have opened the body's left and right sides. Avoid this by trimming both fins evenly and keeping a few common matches, like flowers or seasons, in reserve to break into the body's top.

Question 4

Do the flower and season tiles work differently on this board?

Accepted Answer

They follow the standard rule everywhere: any flower tile matches any other flower, and any season matches any other season. On the Stingray they are especially handy because you can use them as flexible capstone-breakers on the stacked central body rather than hunting for an exact pair.