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373GSTHE EVERYDAY PLAY CLUB

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Futoshiki

Play Futoshiki ↗

THE PLAYBOOK · 373GS

How to play Futoshiki

Read the aim of Futoshiki, then make your first move. Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Twelve 4×4 puzzles with fixed starter values.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

  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.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Look at the feedback after the action.

A useful example

r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.

Watch out for this

An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Common questions

For my first round, what is the goal of Futoshiki?

Keep this in mind: Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality.

For this browser game, how do I control Futoshiki?

Keep this in mind: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Futoshiki?

For clarity: r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3.

Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Futoshiki?

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

On this playing page, what format does Futoshiki offer?

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

As a new player, which play mode does Futoshiki use?

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

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