How to Play Nonogram

THE PLAYBOOK · EEQUN

How to play Nonogram

Try Nonogram at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Shade the grid so every row and column matches its run-length clues. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Work through a collection of twelve 5×5 picture puzzles.

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Keep the objective visible.

Your goal

Shade the grid so every row and column matches its run-length clues. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

1. Cycle a square between filled, crossed and blank.
2. Keep separate runs apart by at least one blank.
3. Combine row and column deductions.
4. Check puzzle verifies the finished grid.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

A useful example

Clue 2 1 requires a run of two, a blank separator, and a run of one. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Do not merge two separate runs. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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