How to Play Shikaku

THE PLAYBOOK · CQXSJINPENG

How to play Shikaku

Choose a round of Shikaku and settle into its rules. Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. Use the example below to understand a decision. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

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

A useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Keep the objective visible.

Your goal

Cover the board with non-overlapping rectangles, each containing one clue equal to its area. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Check any mode label before starting.

A useful example

A clue 6 may occupy a 2×3 rectangle when other clues allow it. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

No rectangle may contain two clues or overlap another. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions