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Detailed Game Introduction

Futoshiki (“not equal”) is a Latin‑square logic puzzle like Sudoku but with inequality signs (>, <) between neighboring cells. You must place digits so each row/column contains all numbers exactly once and every inequality is satisfied. The signs create strong chains that power elegant deductions.

Gameplay Strategy & Walkthrough

1. Inequality chains: A>B>C means A≥C+2; pencil candidates accordingly.
2. Extremes: A>…>B bounds A high and B low; use 1/Max eliminations on chain ends.
3. Row/column scans: Apply Latin constraints to prune candidates aggressively.
4. Contradiction loops: Assume a value on tight cells; backtrack if an inequality breaks or row/col duplicates.
5. Symmetry: Balanced puzzles often have mirrored inequality structures — exploit them.

Controls Guide

• Tap a cell to enter candidates/values; toggle pencil mode; undo/redo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: I can’t progress — any tip?

  A: Expand inequality chains into explicit bounds (e.g., if 5>□>3 then middle ∈ {4}); combine with row/col hits.

• Q: Are guesses required?

  A: Good sets are solvable logically; at worst use controlled assumptions with quick backtrack.

• Q: Difference vs Sudoku?

  A: Inequalities add directed constraints, enabling stronger forced moves.