How to Play Shikaku

THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU

How to play Shikaku

Take a moment with Shikaku before moving to another game. Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. Look at what changes after your first action. Check the rule that explains your first action. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Solve ten 5×5 rectangle puzzles. Each clue belongs to exactly one rectangle of the stated area.

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

1. Choose a rectangle’s opposite corners.
2. It must contain one clue and have the matching area.
3. Click an existing rectangle to remove it.
4. Cover every square to finish.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

A useful example

A clue 6 may occupy a 2×3 rectangle when other clues allow it. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Consider the next action carefully.

Watch out for this

No rectangle may contain two clues or overlap another. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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