THE PLAYBOOK · QINSMAN
How to play Shikaku
Bring your attention to one round of Shikaku. Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Solve ten 5×5 rectangle puzzles. Each clue belongs to exactly one rectangle of the stated area.
Build a steady rhythm
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Step by step
- Choose a rectangle’s opposite corners.
- It must contain one clue and have the matching area.
- Click an existing rectangle to remove it.
- Cover every square to finish.
Controls
Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.
A useful example
A clue 6 may occupy a 2×3 rectangle when other clues allow it. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
No rectangle may contain two clues or overlap another. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Shikaku?
Here is the relevant explanation: Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area.
Before I begin, how do I control Shikaku?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Shikaku?
Here is the relevant explanation: A clue 6 may occupy a 2×3 rectangle when other clues allow it.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Shikaku?
Here is the relevant explanation: No rectangle may contain two clues or overlap another.
For my first round, what format does Shikaku offer?
For clarity: Solve ten 5×5 rectangle puzzles. Each clue belongs to exactly one rectangle of the stated area.
For a quick reminder, which play mode does Shikaku 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.
