How to Play Futoshiki
Overview
Futoshiki (Japanese for "not equal") is a logic puzzle that combines Latin square rules with inequality constraints. Fill the grid so each row and column contains each digit exactly once while respecting all the greater-than/less-than signs.
Video Tutorial
Rules
- 1Fill each cell with digits 1 to N (where N is the grid size).
- 2Each row must contain each digit exactly once.
- 3Each column must contain each digit exactly once.
- 4Satisfy all inequality signs (> or <) between adjacent cells.
Inequality Signs
A < BA is less than B (A must be smaller)
A > BA is greater than B (A must be larger)
Example: If you see 3 > ___, the empty cell must be 1 or 2.
Controls
ClickSelect a cell
1-N KeysEnter a digit
BackspaceClear selected cell
P KeyToggle pencil mode
Ctrl+ZUndo last move
Solving Strategies
Extreme Values
In a chain A < B < C < D < E (5×5), A must be 1 and E must be 5.
Row/Column Elimination
Once a digit is placed, eliminate it from other cells in that row and column.
Use Pencil Marks
Write candidate numbers to track possibilities and eliminate options.
Forced Positions
If a digit can only go in one cell based on constraints, fill it in.