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Your guide to Futoshiki

Build familiarity through play

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.

What you are aiming for

Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

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.

Choosing and moving on screen

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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

An example to follow

r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.

Keep this in mind

An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Read these answers for extra help

While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Futoshiki?

Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality.

For my first round, how do I control Futoshiki?

The key detail is this: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

For my first round, what example helps explain Futoshiki?

Keep this in mind: r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3.

While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Futoshiki?

For clarity: An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference.

What format does Futoshiki offer?

The key detail is this: Twelve 4×4 puzzles with fixed starter values.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does Futoshiki use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For my first round, where should I start with Futoshiki?

Select an editable square.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Futoshiki?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While reading the Guide, how can I find Futoshiki again?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

As a new player, how do I report an issue with Futoshiki?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.