Futoshiki

THE PLAYBOOK · GZCKKS

Learn the rules of Futoshiki

Try Futoshiki at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Twelve 4×4 puzzles with fixed starter values.

One thing to notice as you play

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.

From the start of a round

1. Select an editable square.
2. Read inequalities by their row/column coordinates below the board.
3. Enter 1–4.
4. Check puzzle verifies both Latin-square rules and inequalities.

The controls to know

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

Put the rules into context

r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the controls nearby.

Watch out for this

An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Further help with the game