How to Play FLAMES: Step-by-Step Guide

You only need two names and a pen. Here is the traditional method, followed by a complete worked example.

The Rules

1. Write both names in lowercase and ignore spaces.
2. Cross out each letter that appears in both names. If a letter appears twice in one name but once in the other, cross out only one copy from each.
3. Count the letters that are not crossed out. Call this number N.
4. Write the word F L A M E S.
5. Count N letters along FLAMES, starting at F, and strike out the letter where you land.
6. Continue counting from the letter after the one you struck, wrapping around, and strike out again.
7. Repeat until one letter is left. That is your result.

Worked Example: Rahul and Priya

The names share the letters r and a, which are cancelled. Left over: h, u, l from Rahul and p, i, y from Priya, so N = 6.

Counting 6 each time, the letters are struck out in this order: S → F → A → L → E. The letter that remains is M.

Skip the counting and try the online FLAMES calculator, or read what each result means.

Tips

• Spelling matters: “Priya” and “Pria” give different counts.
• Using a nickname will usually change the result.
• Remember it is only a game. It says nothing real about a relationship.