Futoshiki

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Creating a puzzle with exactly one solution…

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This code contains the puzzle and your progress. Open the link or paste the code on any device to carry on. Nothing is stored on our servers.

How to play

Fill an n×n grid with the digits 1 to n so that no digit repeats in any row or column. Between some neighbouring cells there is a sign like < or ∧: its point always faces the smaller digit. Some digits are given to start you off.

Every futoshiki on PuzzleSheets has exactly one solution, checked by a solver, and you can always reach it by logic.

Sizes and difficulty

Pick a size from 4×4 to 9×9. Difficulty then sets the clues:

  • Easy: plenty of given digits. The signs and single cells do the rest.
  • Medium and Hard: fewer digits, more signs. You will need pairs (two cells sharing the same two candidates): on hard from 5×5 up, on medium from 6×6 up.
  • Expert: almost all signs and few digits. From 7×7 up you will need triples.

Tips

  1. Follow the chains. In a 5×5, a cell at the start of a chain a < b < c can be at most 3, and the cell at the end at least 3.
  2. Look at the edges of the range. A cell that is bigger than its neighbour can never be 1; a cell that is smaller can never be the largest digit.
  3. Count in each row and column. If a digit fits in only one cell of a row, it goes there.
  4. Use notes. Pencil in the candidates and cross them off.

Using the player

  • Tap a cell, then a number. Use Notes for pencil marks.
  • Highlight conflicts shows repeated digits and broken signs.
  • Your progress is saved on this device. Save code / Continue later lets you carry on elsewhere.

Printing

Print 1, 2 or 4 puzzles per page on A4 or US Letter, with an optional answer key.