How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · TJHAIZHONG

How to play Hitori

Choose a round of Hitori and settle into its rules. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.

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

Read before acting

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions