Hitori

The logic game “Hitori” has simple and understandable rules, as well as variable complexity, which depends on the size of the playing field. The larger it is, the more difficult it is to solve the puzzle.

Everyone can handle the 4x4 and 5x5 formats, but starting from 7x7 and 8x8 the difficulty increases noticeably and requires serious concentration and mental effort from the player.

General rules

The Hitori playing field is a square divided into an equal number of cells. Each cell contains a number limited by the number of rows and columns. The numbers are not in order, but randomly and with periodic repetitions. So, in one row (or column) there can be two eights or three twos at the same time. The player's task is to paint over repeating numbers in such a way that in the end there are no repeats left in each row and column.

During the game you must adhere to the following general rules:

• Shaded (black) cells cannot be adjacent to each other vertically or horizontally.
• All unshaded cells must be combined into a common network so that from any part of the field you can move to another section without crossing black cells.
• The puzzle is considered solved if the two rules described above are met and there is no repetition in any row/column.

During the game, it is important to remember that you cannot block the numbers with filled squares. First of all, this applies to corner areas, to block which it is enough to paint only two cells: bottom/top and side. Such situations should be avoided in 100% of cases.

How to solve the puzzle

To simplify the Hitori solution, many players use another unspoken rule - circle the numbers that most likely will not be filled in. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the process, and allows you to concentrate on other squares that are more likely to be painted. Since there is a possibility of making a mistake, it is recommended to do the tracing with an erasable pencil or soluble ink.

If we talk directly about winning tactics of the game, it is worth listing the following:

• The game does not allow two black squares to be adjacent, so if one of the numbers is exactly to be painted, its orthogonal neighbors can be immediately circled.
• If a number is circled in a row/column, all its repetitions horizontally and vertically must be painted over.
• If, after painting a cell, it divides the playing field into two unconnected sections, you cannot paint it.
• In those rare cases when 3 identical numbers are written in a row in one row/column, only the outermost ones need to be painted over (the central one always remains uncolored).
• If in one row/column there are two identical numbers located next to each other, and another identical number at a distance from them, the latter must be painted over.
• If two pairs of identical numbers are located in a square of a 2x2 grid, two of them must be black on the diagonal.
• If two pairs of identical numbers form a square in the corner of the playing field, the corner square and another square diagonally opposite must be filled in.

Following these tips, you can successfully solve even the most complex variations of “Hitori” format from 12x12 and above. The main thing is to remain calm, not take rash steps and always double-check every move vertically and horizontally.

The original name of the game - Hitori ni shite kure ("Leave me alone") conveys its character as accurately as possible, and it is clearly not worth solving it hastily, in the noise and bustle. The gameplay is best organized in a secluded, quiet environment, with a cup of tea or coffee. In this case, you will not only solve a complex puzzle, but also get great aesthetic pleasure from it!