THE PLAYBOOK · TJHAIZHONG
How to play Lights Out
Start Lights Out by looking at the playing area and its controls. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
A useful comparison
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
Step by step
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. 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
Before I begin, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
While learning, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
The key detail is this: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
For a quick reminder, what format does Lights Out offer?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
