Top tips for playing classic LINE 98 to help you get high scores

Classic LINE 98 is a classic ball arrangement game that has been associated with many generations of Windows 98 computer users. The gameplay is simple but full of strategy: you just need to bring the same colored marbles close together in rows of 5 in horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines to score points.

It sounds easy, but if you don't play smart, you'll quickly run out of juice and have to start over. Here are all the best strategies and tips to help you play as long as possible, score big, and never even finish a game if you use them correctly.

1. Don't erase the marbles too soon - be patient

In the early rounds, you can easily create rows of 5 of the same color to clear. However, you should be patient. Instead of rushing to remove, look for opportunities to collect 6, 7 or 8 more, because then you will get significantly more points. And at this time, you also do not have to worry about getting stuck.

Tip: If you already have 3–4 stones lined up, wait a few more turns to add stones to that row, to avoid "accidentally" removing them early and losing the chance of a high score.

2. Reorganize the table with clear strategy

Don't let the marbles appear scattered and out of order. Turn the 9x9 board into a strategic map that you control with tips including:

1. Take advantage of corners and edges: Areas near the edge or corner of the table will give you more control because there are only 2 or 3 directions of expansion instead of 4. Prioritize creating chains in these locations to maintain order and avoid dispersing force.
2. Maintain Multiple Rows: Don't just focus on one sequence. Have 1–2 additional sequences under construction elsewhere. When you can't continue a sequence, you still have plans B and C.
3. Distribute the balls well on the map: Putting too many balls in one area can easily cause congestion. Spread the balls evenly on the board so that there is always a path for the balls that need to move.

3. Take advantage of the feature that shows the next three balls in advance

One of the important "powers" that many players ignore: previewing the 3 marbles that will appear in the next turn. Actually, this feature is enabled by default, but many people turn it off to "increase the difficulty of the game".

It helps players to look at the color of the upcoming balls to predict the right ball position. If you see red coming up, you can start collecting red balls now to create a chain. Plan ahead, don't let those three balls fall into a position that will disrupt the chain you are building.

4. Manage your play space wisely

Space on the board is limited and each turn without clearing the ball means 3 more spaces are occupied. Manage it carefully with these tips:

1. Prioritize cleaning if the table is too full: If you find space starting to become scarce, put aside long chains and focus on eliminating chains of 5 immediately to open up space.
2. Keep the squares open: To move the ball, you need a clear path. Don't let the pieces block your path. Always keep a few central squares open as transit points.
3. Create a path for new balls: Predict the area where the next three balls might appear, avoiding having the chains being built being "interrupted" by random balls.

5. Avoid common playing mistakes

Below are common mistakes that cause players to lose quickly:

1. Aimless Moves: Moving the ball without the aim of creating a chain is a wasted move.
2. Not looking ahead: Forgetting to look ahead three stones means missing out on the opportunity to build a long chain.
3. Focusing too much on one direction: Many players have the habit of focusing on only one line, whether short or long, which makes it easy to forget about other potential chains.

6. Advanced tricks

1. Focus on the most common color: If a color has appeared a lot on the table, that is the color you should "invest" in building a chain immediately.
2. Using balls as 'bait': A different colored ball can be placed near the building chain to open the way for the same colored ball to move into the optimal position.
3. Understand the ball generation rules: After many turns, you will see that the game tends to rotate the colors of the balls that appear. Just remembering this will help you predict which color might appear next so you can prepare your position.

LINE 98 is not simply a "boring" entertainment, but is actually a test of thinking ability and tactical management.

In summary, the tips you need to know include:

1. Always look a few steps ahead.
2. Know how to concentrate the ball properly, not in a hurry.
3. Manage space wisely and plan clearly.
4. Flexibly change your strategy as the game board changes.

Try to apply all the tips above, you will not only survive longer but also score a record high. If you achieve an impressive score, come back here and comment below to let TipsMake know.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 26 May 2025