How to Play Shikaku Puzzle

Introduction

Shikaku is a captivating logic puzzle that challenges players to use strategic thinking, planning, and patience. In this guide, we’ll explore the rules of Shikaku and provide helpful examples to enhance your puzzle-solving skills.

Basic Rules

The objective of Shikaku is to fill the grid with rectangular blocks, each containing a number that signifies the number of cells it encompasses. Let’s break down the basic rules:

1. Divide the Grid: Begin by dividing the grid into rectangular blocks.
2. One Number per Block: Each block should contain only one number.
3. Number Indicates Cells: The number within a block indicates how many cells it encompasses.

Example 1: Starting in the Corners

To illustrate the strategy, let’s consider an 11×11 Shikaku puzzle. Start by focusing on the corners:

• Top-Left Corner (6): Since the corner box is a 6, it can be either 3×2 or 2×3. Analyzing nearby numbers helps determine the correct orientation.
• Bottom Corners: Both corners are blank, and the nearby 4 is the only number suitable for creating a rectangle.
• Top-Right Corner: With no given number, explore possibilities by testing options like going 3 across or 3 down.

Example 2: Working Your Way Outwards

Once you establish a foundation from the corners, work your way outwards:

• Under the 6 Box: A 3 nearby has only one direction available, making it easy to fill out.
• Creating New “Corners”: As you progress, new “corners” emerge. For instance, a blue corner with options 8, 3, 6, and a pink corner with options 6, 4, 2.

Example 3: Keep On Going

Continuing from the previous steps:

• Determining Pink Corner (6): Analyzing proximity to the 4 and the 2, it becomes evident that the pink corner must be a 6.
• Considering Blue Corner (8): Since the pink corner uses the 6, the blue corner can only be an 8, as it’s too far from the 3.

Example 4: Handling Weird Spaces

In some instances, puzzles may present peculiar or distant spaces:

• Yellow Lines: Analyze options for the corner square, taking into account distances. In this case, the 2 is too far, ruling it out, leaving it as a 3.
• Blue Line: Starting in a box with only one direction to go, creating a rectangle that’s 4 blocks long and 1 block tall, touching the nearby 4.

Conclusion

With these tips and examples, you are well-equipped to tackle Shikaku puzzles. Remember to approach puzzles systematically, starting from the corners and working your way outwards. Now, armed with this knowledge, try your hand at solving Shikaku puzzles and enjoy the challenge!