def checkGameStatus(board, max_tile=2048):
    """
    Update the game status by checking if the max. tile has been obtained.

    Parameters:
        board (list): game board
        max_tile (int): tile number required to win, default = 2048
    Returns:
        (str): game status WIN/LOSE/PLAY
    """
    flat_board = [cell for row in board for cell in row]
    if max_tile in flat_board:
        # game has been won if max_tile value is found
        return "WIN"

    for i in range(4):
        for j in range(4):
            # check if a merge is possible
            if j != 3 and board[i][j] == board[i][j+1] or \
                    i != 3 and board[i][j] == board[i + 1][j]:
                return "PLAY"

    if 0 not in flat_board:
        return "LOSE"
    else:
        return "PLAY"