So two problems: I think the game could first use some instructions. They can be put on the itch.io page itself. When I started I wasn't sure what I was doing or how anything worked, and it's not always clear when something's changed after clicking the square in the middle.

The numbers could also use some rebalancing. After several tries, I always lose more points than I can possibly gain. I figured out that sometimes I can get a "special effect" to make it better, but I can't figure out how to do it consistently. So I don't see how it's possible to not lose.

This is a fine start though :)