With so many puzzle variants available today, it would be pointless to cram them all. However, you can attempt as many as you wish, both for fun and the associated benefits.
A Hanjie puzzle is an empty grid of varying size, with numbers on all the grid’s edges. Using these numbers, you are expected to work from left to right, or top to bottom, to reveal the predicted image. The digits along the edges indicate how many squares you are expected to color.
Therefore, if at the bottom of a row there is the digit ‘4,’ then only four squares in that row should be colored. In case you find several numbers, e.g. ‘3, 4, 5,’ then three different sets of squares should be colored in. A comma indicates at least one blank square between each group, though they could be more.
All you need to play Hanjie puzzles is a grid and clues. Then, using logical thinking, you can figure out the cells to be colored. It may be evident in some cases, while you may need to apply cross-referencing techniques in others.
Strategies You Should Know
Start with large numbers
When it comes to how to play picross, look for the largest numbers first, as they indicate that there will be lesser valid combinations for that particular row or column. That edges you closer to finding solutions to complete your puzzle.
Utilize ‘X’ and ‘Dot’ marks
If you realize a cell should not be colored, mark it using an ‘X’ or ‘dot.’ By doing this, you are trying to eliminate the cells unlikely to be colored and not merely identify where the coloring occurs.
Once you have marked all possible locations, those that remain should be the probable blanks. Marking helps you get unstuck as it splits up connected lines of possible blocks.
Count Out Loud
If you have, count out loud to be sure. Fortunately, some Hanjie apps have automated counting features to help you count. However, you can turn it off and count by yourself, if that is what makes you comfortable
Numbers are in Order
As a rule, remember the numbers are arranged as per the puzzler’s intentions for you to color in the columns and rows. This way, it becomes easy to identify where to start. However, the situation can be quite tricky with giant Hanjie puzzles, as the sequences stretch over multiple lines.
End Squares are a gift
Whether they are at the edge of a puzzle or are the result of a verified ‘X,’ end squares are God-given gifts. They enable you to solve the entire sequence and fill in X. Do not be ignorant of the impact of a filled-in square near the edge. The unfilled squares from the border to the filled-in square should be colored, and the first square marked X.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, Hanjie puzzles are easy to play, provided you know what you are doing. Take tutorials or ask for help in case you are stuck. Remember, even experts did not earn the title in a single day, nor by working single handedly.
