In the example below, A and B are matching and adjacent. When scoring, the values are added together.
3
8A
8B
1
9
16
In the next example, A and B are added...and B and C are also added (16+16=32).
3
8A
8B
8C
9
32
This scoring method rewards attempting multiple matches. This row scores 26; A+B and C+D (12+14=26)...
6A
6B
7C
7D
2
26
...but this row, dispite being a lower number, scores more points due to having more adjacent matches;
A+B, B+C, C+D (10+10+10=30).
A+B, B+C, C+D (10+10+10=30).
5A
5B
5C
5D
2
30
The lowest scoring row and column total will be highlighted and are added twice to the final score.