Tips & Strategies

Even though nonogram video games (mainly Nintendo's Picross games) include a "How-To" section, it's still considered difficult for many newly-introduced players. Here's some tips and strategies:

1. Start with the all and nothing. The first key to any nonogram puzzle would be the lines with 0 cells, or all cells to be filled.

2. Almost-full lines. Another key is a line which the sum of its numbers is (line length minus the number of break points), which states an almost full line with some break points inside (In other words, the numbers on the line are straightly filled with a single break point between each). A (11 3) for a 15-cell line is an example. Similarly, a (3 7 3) for a 15-cell line shows a straightforward solution with two break points in 4th and 12th cells.

3. Shadow trick. Sometimes, a line couldn't be completely solved. The key here is to solve the line as much correct as could be done. A big, single number on the line could be the key, as its middle cells are definitely filled in a symmetrical pattern. The method could also be used for smaller numbers, if one of its cells are already filled. For example in this line, the 2nd cell is already filled, and as the line has a single (5), the next three cell are also bound to be filled, and with a one doubtful space, the next cells are definitely empty. (Imagine it as an extract of a bigger line and repeat the method explained above)

4. Double shadow trick. A variant of the previous trick, it would be useful on the line with two numbers, with one of them being significantly bigger. Try to 'get rid' of the bigger number first; "Imagine" that the smaller number is stuck on the border end, mark a temporary X next to it (a) and do the shadow trick for the bigger number (b). Then, you may be able (not always) to do the same for the smaller number (c).

5. Border of the picture. This one is not truly a solving method, but it would be useful as a guessing method; if one of the edge lines a bunch of consecutive (1) s, they are presumably filled, making a pixel 'border' in the solved artwork.