How to Play the 50 States Speed Run
The Speed Run mode is built for those who already know their U.S. geography and want to push their recall speed to the limit. Your objective is to name as many of the 50 states as possible before the clock hits zero.
Game Mechanics & Settings
- Adjustable Timers: Choose your difficulty by selecting a 60-second, 2-minute, or 4-minute timer.
- Rapid Fire Entry: You don't need to hit "submit" after typing a state. Once the letters match a valid state or 2-letter postal code, the game instantly registers it, clears the input, and colors the map.
- Missed States Reveal: When the time is up, the game will automatically fill the map with red to show you exactly which states you forgot.
Tips for Setting a High Score
Speed typing is only half the battle; cognitive recall speed is the real bottleneck. Memorizing the map in regional chunks (e.g., typing all New England states, then the South, then the West Coast) helps prevent mental blocks. Alternatively, many top players memorize the states in alphabetical order to ensure they never miss one in the rush.