Crossword where the cells are painted over. Japanese crosswords: instructions for solving
The images in the Japanese crossword are encrypted with numbers. The numbers are located to the left and top of the main playing field. The numbers show how many cells you need to color.
Two colors are used in black and white crosswords: white is the color of the main playing field and black is the color with which the player paints over the cells. Filled cells must be separated by at least one unfilled cell. For convenience, the playing field is divided into blocks 5 by 5 with a bold line.
The numbers above the playing field show how many filled cells should be in each column.
The numbers to the left of the playing field show how many filled cells should be in each line.
Basic requirements for a Japanese crossword puzzle:
- The crossword must have only 1 solution, i.e. all filled cells can be calculated in a logical way.
- The number of rows and columns must be a multiple of 5
- There should be no rows or columns with empty cells.
Basic Steps to Solve
When solving a crossword puzzle, you need to:
- Find cells that will definitely be filled
- Find cells that will definitely not be filled
- Color in the cells whose position of the numbers is exactly known
An example of solving a Japanese crossword puzzle
Let's try to solve a simple Japanese crossword "Letter":
The size of the crossword is 10 by 7. Let's try to solve it.
First, let's find all the cells. The first and last line contains the number 10, which means that the entire line will be filled in completely. Also in the first and last column there is the number 7, which means the entire column will be completely filled. Let's color these rows and columns and cross out the corresponding numbers.
Now let's take a closer look at the second and 6th line. These numbers have start and end shaded cells. Accordingly, we can continue or complete them.
Now let's mark with crosses those cells where they definitely cannot be painted over
Look at lines 3 and 7. Because between the filled cells there should be one empty cell and there are the first two filled cells, we can paint the rest
Overlay extreme positions
If the number next to the line is only one and is more than half the length, then you can paint over several cells in the middle. To do this, it is necessary to superimpose the extreme left position of the cell groups on the extreme right. Where groups of cells intersect, there will be shaded cells.
If there are several numbers next to the line, we can also superimpose the extreme left position of the cell groups on the extreme right, but we can paint over the cells only in those places where the group of numbers overlapped itself (see example). It is also necessary to take into account the presence of a minimum indent between groups of cells (for black and white crossword puzzles - there is always one empty cell between the numbers; in color ones - there is one empty cell between groups of the same color, there are no empty cells between groups of different colors)
Pushing off the walls
If there is a filled cell in the line, the distance from which to the left border of the crossword puzzle is less than the value of the first digit, then you can paint over several cells on the right. To do this, we count the value of the first digit from the left border of the crossword puzzle - we paint over all the cells that are to the right of the solved one. A similar method works for the last digit and the right border of the crossword - you can paint over the cells to the left of the solved one.
out of reach
If there are filled cells in the line, for which it is unambiguous to say which numbers they belong to, then it becomes possible to put crosses in cells that are "inaccessible" to any numbers. Most often, this method is used when a cell (or several cells) is found that can only refer to the first or last digit.
Does not fit
There are situations when areas limited by crosses appear in a line, in which none of the declared digits can fit. Accordingly, such areas are filled with crosses. We act similarly when this area is formed at the beginning / end of the line, and the first / last digit does not fit in it.
Separation
In situations where there are some filled cells separated by one empty cell, it is necessary to check the possibility of the existence of a filled cell in it - if this leads to a contradiction with the numbers indicated in the line, then this cell must have a cross.
An association
If there are some filled cells in the line that clearly refer to the same digit, then the space between these cells is painted over.
dual position
Sometimes there are situations when a cell shaded in a line can correspond to only two options for the arrangement of cell groups. Cells that are empty in both arrangements are marked with crosses.
And we paint over those cells that are shaded in both arrangements.
Colors at the intersection
In color crosswords, it is additionally necessary to take into account the colors at the intersection of cells. This makes it possible to exclude a large number of possible arrangements of cell groups.
An important feature is that the cells in the first row can be either empty or filled with the color of the first digit in the column. A similar method works for the last row - the cells in it are either empty or painted over with the color of the last digit in the column.
Not every one of us remembers that in the world there is a fascinating entertainment of Japanese origin, which captured the interest of many inhabitants of the planet back in the 90s. It's about about Japanese crossword puzzles, which had a non-standard type of solution, and also required some attention and knowledge of the basic filling rules. At the first glance at such a crossword puzzle, many were shocked, as it seemed incomprehensible and unsolvable to them, but gradually many began to understand the filling pattern, which made it possible to solve these unusual puzzles and get an unpredictable result in the form of a picture. Gradually, this entertainment began to be forgotten, and now such crossword puzzles are no longer found in newspapers, books, booklets, as before, but they can be found on the Internet and continue to enjoy them.
But most people still do not understand how to solve these crosswords, so it's time to get new skills, master this technology.
Today you will get acquainted with the instructions that allow you to find the answer to the question of how to solve Japanese crossword puzzles. To facilitate the process, we offer you to get acquainted with this type of intellectual entertainment in as much detail as possible.
Types of Japanese crosswords:
- simple Japanese crosswords;
- complex Japanese crosswords;
- color and black-and-white Japanese crosswords;
- rare japanese crosswords.
Japanese crossword solution structure:
- cells undergoing staining;
- cells that exclude the possibility of painting;
- obligatory marks in the margins;
- guessing result.
Simple Japanese crosswords
Simple Japanese crosswords, or, as they are also called, Japanese crosswords for beginners, have wide use and most recognizable appearance. This is where it is worth starting a little journey with solving these intellectual puzzles.
They usually have small fields (5x5, 8x8, 10x10 cells) and very simple pictures, and they are mainly intended for young children. Although adults should also start with them, as they gradually create the habit of solving and hone the skills of coloring cells, mindfulness and patience.
Difficult Japanese crosswords
Difficult Japanese crossword puzzles are already designed for professionals who are confident in their abilities, have honed attentiveness and are able to look for mistakes on the go. Usually such crosswords are a set of fields: 50x50, 100x100, 200x200. To solve this type of puzzles, you must first accumulate experience, otherwise it is fraught with many errors, nerves and a waste of time. It is also worth learning a simple rule: you should never try to solve a complex crossword puzzle in one day, as this is not at all effective. Stretch the pleasure for several days, and you will definitely achieve a positive result.
Colored and black and white Japanese crossword puzzles
There are two types of Japanese entertainment in the world: color crosswords and black and white. In fact, there should not be a second question about how to solve Japanese crosswords, since they look almost the same. The main difference is the color of the hint numbers, in the black and white version the numbers are exclusively black, but in the color version the numbers are multi-colored. The logic is simple and clear, the filling process itself is identical to the main one, however, this time you will need colored pencils or colored helium pens. And it will be great luck if you can find a paper version of this puzzle. Since the name "color Japanese crosswords online" speaks for itself, this type has completely moved to the expanses of the virtual world.
Rare Japanese crosswords
There is another type of crosswords - rare. Maybe this is new to you, but right now in Japan, whole scrolls of Japanese crossword puzzles are popular that imitate masterpieces of painting, for example, Mona Lisa, Death of Germanicus, Napoleon on the Pass and others. Usually such canvases have a size of 1000x1000 cells and even 5000x5000, 10000x10000. Alas, such crossword puzzles are very expensive and sometimes require several years to solve. But if you are an ardent fan of these puzzles, then you should definitely buy this kind of Japanese crossword puzzle.
Cells that are stained
And now, in fact, it is worth discussing the instructions. First, you should get acquainted with the fields of the crossword puzzle. They have fields with numbers, it is these numbers that are your main hint for painting. They show how many squares should be filled in a row (for example, the number 9 indicates that 9 cells should be filled in a row, and if there are several numbers in the field, for example, 9, 1, 2, this means that in this row, you need to paint over the cells with indents from each other). But there is a catch - there are also empty cells in the row that cannot be painted over. Therefore, at first it is worth finding fields where there are no unshaded cells, usually this is a number that covers the entire row (vertical or horizontal) of the squares. And this will be the first step to your success. Carefully look through all the fields and find the largest values, it is easier to start painting from them, and then you can find other cells to be painted over along the chain.
Cells that exclude the possibility of painting
It is these cells that are your main "enemies" in this graphic puzzle. You should not immediately look for them, as they will be revealed gradually, by painting over already precise areas of the puzzle. And it is better to mark the found cells with dots so that they do not cause you doubts. There are no clues about the calculation of these cells, it remains to rely on attention and logic.
Required field marks
And now it is worth noting that it is always better to celebrate your achievements. For example, you correctly identified the cells to be filled in, be sure to cross out the number that you guessed. As mentioned above, you need to mark empty cells (not subject to painting) with dots or crosses. This approach will allow you to visually navigate and determine the format of the picture as accurately as possible.
The result of guessing
How to solve Japanese crossword puzzles? Now you can answer this question confidently and in detail. The main thing to remember is that absolutely every action you take brings its own result, and already halfway through you will be able to visually understand what exactly you are doing. Every cell, every gap - it's all part of the big picture. Whether it's a black and white or a color crossword, it will all look great against the background of the former empty field. The best way to solve a Japanese crossword puzzle is with simple pencil so that you can erase mistakes or start over, but if you are confident, then gel pens are ideal - the color effect from them is the best.
Games "Japanese crosswords" is the most difficult intellectual puzzle that is not so easy to solve. It all depends on your attention and the correct combination of the information found (carefully consider the position of the filled cells). Use drafts, look closely at each field - and you will definitely understand what needs to be done to solve it. Our recommendations will help you begin to understand the solution technology, and simple Japanese crosswords will be the best practice. Now you will know exactly how to solve Japanese crossword puzzles. And, perhaps, in the future you will be able to solve complex versions of these puzzles. This instruction is suitable for solving the paper version of crossword puzzles, as well as for solving crossword puzzles online (Japanese crossword puzzles in Odnoklassniki can also be included).
Japanese crosswords (scanwords) are encoded images. The task of the player and the goal of the logic game is to solve this image.
The coding goes like this. Let's say we have an image:
For each line, we count the lengths of the shaded segments and write these numbers next to the corresponding stripes:
Now we repeat the same operation for the columns of the scanword and write the corresponding sets of numbers over the columns:
Now we remove the image and leave only the numbers. This is the finished Japanese crossword puzzle:
The player's task is to restore the picture, having only numbers.
General logic and tactics of solving Japanese crossword puzzles
The logic is very simple. It is necessary to find horizontal lines or vertical columns where you can draw some kind of conclusion about which cells are shaded and which are not shaded. You display these logical conclusions with notes. Getting more and more clues, you move further and further until the scanword is completely solved.
Let's now look at some tricks
How to start solving a Japanese crossword puzzle
Initially, the scanword is not filled. As long as you know only the numbers. Let's see what you can do in this situation.
The simplest tricks: guessing at a glance
As you have seen, there are cases when it is possible to tell unambiguously how the row is filled. For example:
can be filled in in only one way - all cells are shaded.
A slightly less obvious case:
turns out to be just as simple and unambiguous:
But such situations do not occur often.
Partial solving of the scanword at a glance
Often a row or column cannot be fully deciphered right away, but we can still draw some conclusions about how it is filled.
Consider an example:
There are three filling options available:
As you can see, in all these options, the third cell is shaded. From this we can conclude: "We do not know exactly how this row is filled, but the third cell in it is exactly filled":
A similar approach works in more complex logical problems. Example:
Here are the possible options:
and we can conclude as many as four filled cells of the scanword:
We did not solve the series completely, but we got a lot of information. Let's now see how to use it and continue solving.
How to continue to solve a crossword puzzle using incomplete information.
So. Do you already know something, how to clarify these conclusions and get closer to a complete solution?
Let's introduce one more notation. We will denote by the symbol "✕" those positions about which we know for sure that they are not filled in.
Such information is also very valuable when solving.
You know something is painted over
If you already know that some cell in a row/column is shaded, then you can often conclude that some cells are definitely not shaded.
The simplest case is when there is only one strip in a row. Let's say you have this situation:
We already know that one cell must be painted over. And we are left with only three options:
That is, we can say with confidence that the two extreme cells on each side are definitely not painted over:
If there is more than one filled bar in a row / column, then the situation becomes more complicated, but even here it can be possible to draw a conclusion.
Consider this example:
At first glance, the shaded cell can be part of either of the two stripes, and we cannot say anything definite. But if you look closely, it becomes clear that a strip of two cells cannot be located to the right of the shaded cell. After all, then they will stick together and there will be no longer two cells in the strip. So the rightmost cell is definitely empty:
And applying the knowledge from the previous presentation, we can conclude about two more cells:
And this is already very good.
You know that something is not painted over
At the previous step, cells began to appear in us, about which we know for sure that they are not painted over. This is very useful information and very easy to use.
Very often you can infer other blank cells. Consider an example:
Here all the stripes have a length of 2, which means that none of them can fit to the right of the unpainted cell. This means that the rightmost cell is not shaded.
And of course, we can infer about two more cells using the techniques described above (having considered all the options for the location of the filled stripes, and highlighting the cells that turn out to be filled in any case):
We found out the color of the three cells of the scanword.
Consider another logical trick.
Unshaded cells break the line/column into segments, and quite often it is possible to determine which segments are in which stripes. Look at the example:
For convenience, I have marked the segments with letters of the Latin alphabet.
It is clear that segment A is empty, since it cannot contain a segment of four filled cells. Conclusion one:
Two two-cell segments cannot fit in segment D (otherwise they will “stick together”). This means that each of our three segments occupies one of the three remaining segments. About the first two segments, we can draw the following conclusions:
All in all, we haven't made much progress.
By combining these logical techniques, you can solve any Japanese crossword puzzle. Or rather, any crossword on this site, since there are unsolvable ambiguous Japanese crosswords. But all the scanwords on this site have been checked and dried not only solvable, but also allow for a step-by-step solution.
Real Japanese crossword puzzles must meet the following rules:
- The crossword has a single logical solution;
- There are no zeros in the information fields;
- The crossword grid has only a multiple of five cells horizontally and vertically (for example: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ..);
- The image is not symmetrical and contains an easily readable image.
Solving black and white crossword puzzles
How to solve Japanese crossword puzzles?
Two simple rules for successfully solving a Japanese crossword puzzle:
- The order of the numbers is from bottom to top and left to right. That is, if the column contains the number 3, and above it 1, then this means that you need to paint (somewhere) from below 3 cells, and above them 1 cell in this column. The same applies to strings.
- There must be at least one unshaded cell between the shaded cells.
At the first stage, we look for those rows and columns in which the number of cells to be painted will be maximum. The next step will be to identify those rows and columns where the number of cells to be filled will be more than half of the entire column or row.
In these rows or columns we will find those cells that will be painted in any case, regardless of which side the field to be painted starts from. After that, it is already possible to determine those cells that will definitely not be painted over. They must be marked with some kind of icon, for example, a cross or a dot. Then logical reasoning comes into play, with the help of which we bring the solution of the crossword puzzle to the end. In the process of solving a crossword puzzle, the described moves can be repeated several times.
As soon as any cells are painted over, the number that refers to these cells must be crossed out so as not to get confused (especially on huge crossword puzzles).
An example of solving a small crossword puzzle:
| 1 We have the original Japanese crossword. For simplicity, its dimensions are 5x5 cells. | 2 Let's pay attention to the big numbers. The number 5 is on top. Since there are 5 cells in the column, the entire column can be painted over. |
| 3 There is also the number 5 on the left. Let's color the entire fourth line from the top of the crossword puzzle. Do not forget to cross out the worked numbers. | 4 On the left we found the number 3. We see that the rightmost cell of the line is painted over, then we paint over 2 adjacent ones, and mark the rest empty. |
| 5 3rd and 4th columns have two single cells. And they are already painted over, so we mark the rest of the cells as empty. And cross out the numbers. | 6 The second column has a filled cell and 2 empty ones above. The filled cells do not touch, so we paint the cell from the second row. |
| 7 Automatically got the second line ready, and in the third - the only option. Let's color this cell. | 8 The last step is to paint the last cell. We cross out the three from the first column and two ones from the fifth row. Crossword solved! |
As a result of solving a crossword puzzle, an image of the letter "A" was obtained. This is a simple crossword puzzle, but there are huge crossword puzzles that require a lot of practice to successfully complete.
Solving color crosswords
Colored crosswords are solved on the same principle as black and white ones. The difference is as follows: there may be no separating (empty) cells between multi-colored groups of cells.This article has been about how to solve Japanese crossword puzzles.