How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · SHIDIAO001

How to play Hitori

Open Hitori, check the instructions and begin a round. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Use the example below to understand a decision. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Play twelve 5×5 puzzles. Any shaded starting cells remain fixed.

Build a steady rhythm

Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Step by step

1. Click a cell to shade, mark or clear it.
2. No unshaded number may repeat in a row or column.
3. Black cells cannot share an edge.
4. Check puzzle verifies duplicates and connectivity.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Common questions