Play Nonogram Online – Reveal the Hidden Image

Game Overview

Nonogram (also called Picross or Griddlers) is a picture logic puzzle where numerical clues along rows and columns describe groups of filled squares. Your objective is to deduce which cells to fill so the pattern satisfies every sequence constraint and ultimately reveals a small pixel art image.

This minimalist version focuses on clarity—crisp contrast and spacious cell sizing help you think structurally instead of fighting the interface.

Controls

Logic Tip: Start with fully determined lines—any row or column whose clues sum (with required gaps) to the line length yields fixed placements.

Core Solving Techniques

Span Overlap: For a clue run that could fit multiple positions, overlap all possibilities to find sure cells.
Gap Forcing: Distinct clue groups must be separated by at least one blank—use this to mark exclusions.
Completion Sweep: When all runs in a line are placed, remaining unknown cells become blanks automatically.
Cross Constraint: Fill decisions propagate—each placement tightens perpendicular line options. Alternate scanning direction frequently.

Strategy Guide

1. Deterministic Open

Target lines where clue sums nearly equal the full length. Lock these early to create a skeleton framework.

2. Overlap Mapping

For larger runs, slide the run mentally from far left to far right recording shared cells—those are guaranteed filled.

3. Negative Space Encoding

Mark blanks explicitly (if available). Visual negative confirmation accelerates mid‑puzzle propagation.

Consistent alternation between horizontal and vertical deduction prevents tunnel vision dead‑ends.

Common Mistakes

Nonogram FAQ

What if a line has no forced cells?
Switch dimension. Cross deductions frequently turn ambiguous lines into solvable ones.
How do I avoid contradictions?
After each placement, mentally verify clue order still feasible both directions. Early checks save rewrites.
Are guesses ever required?
Proper logically designed puzzles can be solved without guessing; brute force is a last resort only for poorly formed sets.
Why overlap works?
Any cell that belongs to every possible placement window of a clue group must be filled with certainty.
Best improvement habit?
Annotate (even mentally) groups already satisfied to reduce cognitive clutter.
Last updated: • Difficulty: Logical • Puzzle type: Static sample grid.