How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · SWEETTONG

How to play Hitori

Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Hitori. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Read the objective before making your first input. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

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

A useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Make the next step deliberately.

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. Notice how the game responds to your input.

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. Use one clear input at a time.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Common questions