Guide
How to Play Futoshiki
Futoshiki is a grid deduction puzzle. Fill the board so every row and column uses the required number range without repeats.
The inequality signs between neighboring cells are part of the puzzle, so every < and > relationship must remain true.
Understand the Grid
A standard board uses a fixed range of numbers. On a 4x4 board, each row and column must contain 1, 2, 3, and 4 exactly once.
Read Inequality Chains
A less-than or greater-than sign narrows the possible values for nearby cells. A cell that must be larger than its neighbor cannot be the smallest value.
Use Row and Column Exclusions
Once a number appears in a row or column, it cannot appear again there. Combine those exclusions with inequality clues to reduce each cell's candidates.
Look for Forced Values
When a cell has only one remaining legal value, place it. That placement usually creates new exclusions, so the board keeps opening up.
Check the Full Board
A finished board is valid only when all rows, columns, and inequality signs are correct at the same time.