How to Solve Nonograms (Picross)
A nonogram is a logic picture puzzle. The numbers beside each row and column tell you how many filled squares appear in a row, in order. The method below works on every size.
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1. Read the clues
A clue of 3 1 means a run of three filled squares, then at least one gap, then a single filled square.
2. Fill big runs first
If a clue is as long as or almost as long as the line, some squares must be filled whatever happens. Count the overlap.
3. Work from the edges
If the first clue touches the edge, place it there and mark the square after it as empty.
4. Mark empty squares
Cross out cells you know are empty. They are as valuable as filled squares.
5. Switch between rows and columns
Each new cell you fill gives new information to the crossing line.
6. Count the leftover space
If a line has no spare room, you can fill it completely with the clue runs and gaps.
Frequently asked questions
- Do nonograms need guessing?
- Well-designed nonograms do not. Most can be finished by logic and cross-checking.
- Where do I start?
- Start with the line that has the biggest numbers or the smallest amount of free space.