Nonogram: A Fun and Challenging Logic Puzzle Game
If you are looking for a way to exercise your brain, improve your logic skills, and have fun at the same time, you might want to try nonogram, a popular logic puzzle game that is also known as paint by numbers, griddlers, picross, or hanjie. In this article, we will explain what a nonogram is, how to solve it, and where to play it.
nonogram
What is a nonogram?
A nonogram is a logic puzzle game that involves filling in a grid of squares with black or white colors according to the clues given on the sides of the grid. The clues are numbers that indicate the lengths of consecutive black squares in each row or column. For example, a clue of 1 5 2 means that there is one black square, followed by at least one white square, then five black squares, then at least one white square, then two black squares in that row or column. The goal is to reveal a hidden picture or pattern by filling in the correct squares.
The origin and history of nonogram
The first nonograms were created by Japanese graphic designer Non Ishida in 1987. She won a competition for designing magazine covers using grid patterns. She later published three books of nonograms under the name "Picture Logic". In 1990, James Dalgety and Paint by Numbers magazine introduced nonograms to the UK under the name "Griddlers". Since then, nonograms have become popular worldwide and have been published in various newspapers, magazines, books, websites, and apps. They have also been adapted into different formats, such as color nonograms, multi-grid nonograms, and 3D nonograms.
The rules and gameplay of nonogram
The rules of nonogram are simple but challenging. You have a grid of squares that must be either filled in black or left blank. Beside each row and column of the grid are numbers that indicate the lengths of runs of black squares in that row or column. For example, 1 5 2 means one black square, five black squares, and two black squares in that order, separated by one or more blank squares. You can mark the blank squares with Xs to help you keep track of them. You can also use logic and deduction to eliminate impossible combinations and narrow down the possibilities. You can check your progress by comparing your grid with the clues. You have solved the puzzle when you have filled in all the correct squares and revealed the hidden picture.
The benefits of playing nonogram
Playing nonogram can have many benefits for your brain and mental health. Some of them are:
It improves your logic and reasoning skills by making you think analytically and systematically.
It enhances your concentration and focus by making you pay attention to details and patterns.
It boosts your memory and recall by making you remember previous clues and solutions.
It stimulates your creativity and imagination by making you visualize different shapes and images.
It reduces your stress and anxiety by making you relax and enjoy the process.
It increases your confidence and satisfaction by making you solve challenging problems and achieve goals.
How to solve a nonogram?
Solving a nonogram can be easy or hard depending on the size and difficulty of the puzzle. However, there are some general tips and strategies that can help you solve any nonogram faster and easier.
Basic tips and strategies for beginners
If you are. If you are new to nonogram, here are some basic tips and strategies that can help you get started:
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Start with the easiest puzzles, such as 5x5 or 10x10 grids, and work your way up to harder ones.
Start with the rows or columns that have the largest or smallest clues, as they are easier to fill in.
Start with the edges and corners of the grid, as they have fewer possibilities than the middle squares.
Use simple logic and elimination to fill in the obvious squares. For example, if a row has a clue of 5 and the grid is 5x5, then you can fill in the whole row with black squares.
Use pencil marks or Xs to mark the squares that you are sure are blank. This will help you avoid confusion and mistakes.
Use cross-checking to confirm your answers. For example, if you have filled in a row according to its clue, then you can check if it matches the clues of the corresponding columns.
Advanced techniques and tricks for experts
If you are an expert in nonogram, here are some advanced techniques and tricks that can help you solve harder puzzles:
Use gap-filling to fill in the spaces between black squares. For example, if a row has a clue of 1 1 1 and you have filled in two black squares with one space between them, then you can fill in the space with a black square as well.
Use corner-filling to fill in the squares that are adjacent to both a black square and an edge. For example, if a row has a clue of 2 and you have filled in one black square at the edge, then you can fill in the next square with a black square as well.
Use subtraction to find the minimum number of blank squares between black squares. For example, if a row has a clue of 3 2 and the grid is 10x10, then you can subtract 3+2+1 (the minimum number of blank squares) from 10 (the length of the row) and get 4. This means that there are at most 4 blank squares between the two runs of black squares.
Use division to find the maximum number of blank squares between black squares. For example, if a row has a clue of 3 2 and the grid is 10x10, then you can divide 10 by 3+2 (the number of runs of black squares) and get 2. This means that there are at least 2 blank squares between each run of black squares.
Use inference to deduce the possible positions of black squares based on other clues. For example, if a column has a clue of 4 and you have filled in two black squares in the middle of the column, then you can infer that the remaining two black squares must be either at the top or at the bottom of the column.
Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid
Solving a nonogram can be tricky and frustrating sometimes. Here are some common mistakes and pitfalls that you should avoid:
Do not assume that all clues are in order. For example, if a row has a clue of 1 2, it does not mean that there is one black square followed by two black squares. It could also mean that there are two black squares followed by one black square.
Do not ignore the white spaces. For example, if a row has a clue of 1 1, it does not mean that there are only two black squares in that row. There could also be white spaces before, after, or between them.
Do not guess or use trial and error. For example, if you are not sure whether a square is black or white, do not fill it in randomly or change it later. This will only lead to more confusion and errors.
Do not overlook any clues or information. For example, if you have filled in all the rows according to their clues, do not forget to check the columns as well. They might give you more hints or clues.
Do not give up easily. For example, if you are stuck or make a mistake, do not quit or erase everything. Try to find where you went wrong and fix it. You can also use hints or solutions from online sources if you need help.
Where to play nonogram?
There are many ways to play nonogram online or offline. Here are some of them:
Online nonogram websites and apps
You can play nonogram on various websites and apps that offer You can play nonogram on various websites and apps that offer different levels, sizes, themes, and features of nonogram puzzles. Some of the most popular and recommended ones are:
: This website has thousands of free nonogram puzzles that you can play online or print out. You can also create your own puzzles and share them with other users. You can choose from different categories, such as animals, art, flowers, holidays, and more.
: This website has hundreds of free nonogram puzzles that you can play online or download as PDF files. You can also use the online solver to check your answers or get hints. You can choose from different difficulty levels, from easy to expert.
: This app is available for Android and iOS devices. It has over 10,000 nonogram puzzles that you can play offline or online. You can also unlock new puzzles every day and collect rewards. You can choose from different themes, such as animals, food, sports, and more.
: This app is also available for Android and iOS devices. It has over 5,000 nonogram puzzles that you can play offline or online. You can also enjoy the colorful graphics and animations. You can choose from different modes, such as classic, color, and challenge.
Offline nonogram books and magazines
You can also play nonogram on paper by buying nonogram books and magazines from bookstores or online shops. Some of the best-selling and highly rated ones are:
: This book has 1000 nonogram puzzles of various sizes and difficulty levels. It also has solutions at the back of the book. It is suitable for beginners and experts alike.
: This book has 100 nonogram puzzles that are designed for kids aged 8 and up. It also has colorful illustrations and fun facts about the hidden pictures. It is a great way to introduce kids to logic puzzles.
: This magazine has 64 pages of nonogram puzzles that are published every month. It also has tips and tricks, interviews with puzzle creators, and competitions. It is a must-have for nonogram enthusiasts.
: This magazine has 48 pages of nonogram puzzles that are published every two months. It also has color nonograms, multi-grid nonograms, and other variations of nonograms. It is a challenge for advanced solvers.
Custom nonogram generators and editors
You can also create your own nonogram puzzles by using custom nonogram generators and editors that are available online or as software programs. Some of the most useful and user-friendly ones are:
: This online tool allows you to generate random nonogram puzzles based on your preferred size and difficulty level. You can also edit the generated puzzles or create your own puzzles from scratch. You can save, print, or share your puzzles with others.
: This online tool allows you to create your own nonogram puzzles by drawing or uploading an image. You can also adjust the size, color, and complexity of your puzzles. You can export your puzzles as PNG or PDF files.
: This software program allows you to solve any nonogram puzzle by entering the clues or scanning an image. You can also create your own puzzles by using the built-in editor. You can save or print your puzzles as BMP files.
: This software program allows you to design your own nonogram puzzles by using various tools and features. You can also import or export your puzzles as XML files. You can test or solve your puzzles by using the built-in solver.
Conclusion
Nonogram is a fun and challenging logic puzzle game that can improve your brain power, logic skills, concentration, memory, creativity, and mood. It is easy to learn but hard to master. It is suitable for all ages and interests. It is available in various formats and platforms.
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If you are interested in playing nonogram, we hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips. You can try out some of the websites, apps, books, and magazines that we have recommended, or you can create your own puzzles using the generators and editors that we have suggested. You can also share your puzzles and solutions with other nonogram fans online or offline.
We would love to hear from you about your experience with nonogram. Have you played nonogram before? If so, what do you like or dislike about it? If not, are you willing to give it a try? What are some of the puzzles that you have solved or created? Do you have any questions or suggestions for us? Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about nonogram:
What is the difference between nonogram and sudoku?
Nonogram and sudoku are both logic puzzle games that involve filling in a grid with numbers or colors. However, they have different rules and goals. Nonogram requires you to fill in the grid according to the clues on the sides, while sudoku requires you to fill in the grid according to the rules of no repetition in each row, column, and box. Nonogram reveals a hidden picture or pattern when solved, while sudoku does not.
How long does it take to solve a nonogram puzzle?
The time it takes to solve a nonogram puzzle depends on several factors, such as the size, difficulty, and complexity of the puzzle, as well as your skill level, experience, and strategy. Generally, larger and harder puzzles take longer to solve than smaller and easier ones. For example, a 5x5 puzzle might take a few minutes to solve, while a 20x20 puzzle might take an hour or more.
How do I know if I have solved a nonogram puzzle correctly?
You can check if you have solved a nonogram puzzle correctly by comparing your grid with the clues on the sides. If your grid matches the clues exactly, then you have solved the puzzle correctly. If not, then you have made a mistake somewhere and need to fix it. You can also use online solvers or solutions to verify your answers.
What are some of the variations of nonogram?
There are many variations of nonogram that add more challenge and variety to the game. Some of them are:
Color nonogram: This variation uses different colors instead of black and white squares. The clues are also given in colors, and you need to fill in the grid with the correct colors.
Multi-grid nonogram: This variation uses multiple grids instead of one grid. The clues are given for each grid separately, and you need to fill in all the grids with the correct squares.
3D nonogram: This variation uses a three-dimensional cube instead of a two-dimensional grid. The clues are given for each layer of the cube, and you need to fill in the cube with the correct squares.
What are some of the best sources for nonogram puzzles?
There are many sources for nonogram puzzles online or offline. Some of the best ones are:
: This website has thousands of free nonogram puzzles that you can play online or print out. You can also create your own puzzles and share them with other users.
: This app is available for Android and iOS devices. It has over 10,000 nonogram puzzles that you can play offline or online.
: This book has 1000 nonogram puzzles of various sizes and difficulty levels. It also has solutions at the back of the book.
: This magazine has 64 pages of nonogram puzzles that are published every month. It also has tips and tricks, interviews with puzzle creators, and competitions.
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