How to Solve Nonograms for Beginners - Complete Guide
New to Nonograms? Don't worry—this complete beginner's guide will teach you everything you need to know to solve your first puzzle. By the end of this article, you'll understand the basics and be ready to tackle puzzles on your own.
What Are Nonograms?
Nonograms (also called Picross or Griddlers) are picture logic puzzles. You use numbers on the sides of a grid to figure out which cells to fill in, revealing a hidden picture. It's like a mix of Sudoku and paint-by-numbers.
Understanding the Clues
The numbers on the left and top tell you how many consecutive filled cells appear in that row or column.
Example: If you see "3" on a row, it means three cells in that row are filled next to each other. If you see "2 1", it means two filled cells, at least one empty cell, then one filled cell.
Step-by-Step Solving Guide
Step 1: Start with the Biggest Numbers
Look for rows or columns with large numbers (like 8 or 9 in a 10x10 grid). These give you the most information. If you see "10" in a 10-cell row, the entire row is filled!
Step 2: Use Edge Logic
When a clue is bigger than half the grid size, you can find overlapping cells that must be filled. For example, in a 10-cell row with clue "7", cells 4-10 must be filled.
Step 3: Mark Impossible Cells
Use X marks to show cells that can't be filled. If you know a clue can't fit in a certain area, mark those cells as empty. This helps narrow down possibilities.
Step 4: Work from Both Ends
Sometimes you can determine cells from both the start and end of a row or column. Combine this information to find cells that must be filled.
Step 5: Cross-Reference
Use information from rows to help solve columns, and vice versa. A filled cell tells you something about both its row and column.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting gaps: Multiple numbers mean multiple groups separated by at least one empty cell
- Not using X marks: Marking impossible cells is crucial
- Giving up too early: Start with easy puzzles to build confidence
- Not reading clues carefully: Make sure you understand what the numbers mean
Practice Tips
Start with 5x5 or 10x10 puzzles on Easy difficulty. Practice regularly, and don't be afraid to use the Hint button when learning. As you solve more puzzles, you'll develop pattern recognition and speed.
Ready to Start?
Now that you understand the basics, it's time to play! Start with our Easy difficulty puzzles and work your way up. Remember, practice makes perfect.