How to play Nonograms: rules, clues and first moves
A Nonogram is a logic puzzle that reveals a picture as you complete a grid. Its numbers do not point to individual squares: they tell you the length of each filled run in a row or column.
What row and column clues mean
Each number stands for one consecutive run of filled squares. If a row shows 3, that row has a connected run of three filled squares; the clue does not yet say where the run begins.
When a line has more than one number, its runs appear in that order with at least one empty square between them. For example, a 2, 1 clue means a run of two, at least one gap, then one filled square. Read row clues left to right and column clues from top to bottom.
Find lines that force a move
Start with rows or columns whose clues use all available space. In a five-square line, a clue of 5 fills every square; a 2, 2 clue also settles the whole line because the gap between the runs is required.
Then look for overlaps. If a long run can start in several places, fill only the squares that belong to that run in every possible placement. Leave the rest until a crossing clue gives you more evidence.
Use crossings and mark known empty squares
A square has to work in both its row and its column. Every certain mark in one direction narrows the possible placements in the other, so switch between rows and columns instead of trying to finish an isolated line.
A cross is information too. Mark one when a square cannot be part of any run that still satisfies the clue; it prevents you from reconsidering it and makes the remaining space easier to read.
Practise in Nonogram Atelier
Nonogram Atelier has three difficulty levels, original pictures, a daily challenge, three optional hints and automatic saves. Choose Fill or Cross before tapping a square; with a keyboard, use arrow keys to move, Space to fill, X to cross and Z to undo.
Start on the most accessible difficulty and use a hint when you want to unblock a position, rather than replacing a deduction you can still check from the rows and columns. The game page keeps the current controls and published version together.
Keep playing
Every game page lists its current version and controls and offers a fullscreen play view.
Explore the collection: Logic Puzzle Games