On the Dot is a visual puzzle game where players race to arrange four transparent squares so they overlap to perfectly replicate a dot pattern shown on a card. It can be played solo or competitively. Published by Gamewright, designed by Dominique Bodin, for 1-4 players ages 10 and up.
Components
64 pattern cards
16 transparent squares (4 sets of 4 squares, each set with a matching color border)
Setup
Shuffle the pattern cards and stack them face down in the center of the playing area.
Give each player a set of 4 transparent squares with the same color border.
Place any extra sets aside if fewer than 4 players.
Turn Structure
There are no traditional turns. Play is simultaneous – all players race at the same time to solve the pattern.
Dot to Dot Dash (2-4 players)
Reveal the top pattern card.
All players simultaneously race to arrange their 4 transparent squares to match the pattern of dots.
When a player believes they have solved it, they yell “On the Dot!” and play stops.
All players check the solution. If correct, that player wins the card. If incorrect, that player is eliminated from the round and the remaining players continue.
The next card is revealed and a new round begins.
First player to collect 5 pattern cards wins.
Alternate Play (2-4 players)
Turn over as many pattern cards as there are players.
On “Go,” all players race to complete any one of the face-up patterns.
When someone solves one, that player wins that card and a new pattern card is turned over.
First player to solve 5 cards wins.
Solitaire Play
Take one set of 4 transparent squares.
Set a time limit (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes).
Try to solve as many pattern cards as possible within the time limit.
Try again to beat your previous score.
Actions
On each “turn” (simultaneous):
Rotate any square in any direction.
Flip any square over.
Overlap all four squares to form a single square matching the target pattern.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
Competitive: First player to collect 5 pattern cards wins.
Solitaire: Beat your own record for cards solved within the time limit.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
You must always use all four transparent squares to duplicate the pattern.
You may rotate and flip the squares in any direction.
All four squares must end up overlapping to form a single square (no offset stacking).
You may not cover or block the face-up pattern card with your squares during play.
If a player calls “On the Dot!” but their solution is incorrect, they are out for that round and other players continue.