How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · QINSMAN

How to play Hitori

Open Hitori, check the instructions and begin a round. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Play twelve 5×5 puzzles. Any shaded starting cells remain fixed.

A useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Step by step

1. Click a cell to shade, mark or clear it.
2. No unshaded number may repeat in a row or column.
3. Black cells cannot share an edge.
4. Check puzzle verifies duplicates and connectivity.

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. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the controls nearby.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. 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.

Common questions