How to Play the Neighboring States Quiz
The Neighboring States Quiz is a logic and geography game where you must deduce the identity of a hidden U.S. state based solely on a list of the states that border it. This mode tests your mental map of the United States.
Game Mechanics & Rules
- The Clue: You'll see a list of states that share a land border with the target state. For example, if the clue says "Borders California, Oregon, and Utah," the answer is Nevada!
- Six Attempts: You have six guesses to figure it out.
- Distance Feedback: If you guess wrong, the game will tell you how many miles away your guess is from the correct target state, and point you in the right direction (e.g., "Northwest").
Tips for Deduction
Pay close attention to the length of the list. Maine is the only state that borders exactly one other state (New Hampshire). Missouri and Tennessee hold the record for bordering the most states (eight each!). Also, if a state borders a coast or a Great Lake, it will have fewer neighboring land borders. Use your early guesses to triangulate the target using the distance hints!