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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Hitori

Play Hitori ↗

Game guide · NEW61

Hitori: rules and examples

Choose a round of Hitori and settle into its rules. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Check the rule that explains your first action. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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

Practice beyond the first move

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Make the next step deliberately.

Aim for this result

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

The order of play

  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.

The controls to know

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.

See the idea in action

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Look for the relevant detail.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Clarifying the way this game works

What is the goal of Hitori?

Here is the relevant explanation: Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected.

When I return, how do I control Hitori?

Keep this in mind: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

While learning, what example helps explain Hitori?

The key detail is this: Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain.

Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Hitori?

For clarity: Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells.

While learning, what format does Hitori offer?

Keep this in mind: Play twelve 5×5 puzzles. Any shaded starting cells remain fixed.

Before I begin, which play mode does Hitori 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.

Where should I start with Hitori?

The key detail is this: Click a cell to shade, mark or clear it.

While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Hitori?

For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

As a new player, how can I find Hitori again?

The key detail is this: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

While learning, how do I report an issue with Hitori?

The key detail is this: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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