How to play GRIDS

1. Each number is a run of filled squares in that row or column. A clue of 3 means three filled squares in a row. A clue of 2 1 means a run of two, then at least one empty square, then a run of one. A 0 means the line is empty.
2. Worked example on a row of 5: the clue 2 1 can only be filled three ways, which are filled-filled-empty-filled-empty, filled-filled-empty-empty-filled, and empty-filled-filled-empty-filled. The second square is filled in all three, so you can fill it now.
3. Tap a square to fill it. Tap again to clear it. Switch to Cross mode, or press and hold a square, to mark it with an X when you know it is empty. X marks are only notes for you.
4. Drag your finger across a row or column to fill or cross many squares at once. Undo takes back your last move.
5. A clue turns grey when its row or column matches the numbers. This does not mean the squares are in the right place, only that the counts fit.
6. The puzzle is done when the filled squares match the hidden picture exactly. Then the picture develops in colour and tells you what you drew.
7. On a keyboard, move with the arrow keys, press Space to fill, X to cross, and Z to undo.

Tips

• Start with the biggest numbers. In a row of 10, a clue of 7 always fills the middle 4 squares, whichever way it slides.
• Look for rows and columns where the clues plus the gaps add up to the full length. Those have only one way to be filled.
• Fill what you are sure of, then cross out squares that cannot be filled. Crosses help you see where the runs are stuck.
• Work back and forth. A newly filled square in a column often settles a square in a row.
• Edges are useful. If the first square of a line is filled, the first run must start there, so you know where it ends.
• Use a hint only when you are stuck. Each hint costs a star. Checking more than twice also costs a star.

Play today's GRIDS