How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU

How to play Hitori

Bring your attention to one round 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. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Use the example below to understand a decision.

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. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. 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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use one clear input at a time.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the controls nearby.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions