Daily Logic Games

Futoshiki

Rules & Strategy

1

Rule 1: No Repeats

Fill the grid with numbers 1 to 5. Just like Sudoku, every row and every column must contain exactly one of each number. No duplicates allowed.

2

Rule 2: Obey the Signs

The < (less than) and > (greater than) signs between the squares are your clues. The numbers you enter must mathematically obey these signs.

3

Strategy 1: Find the Extremes

Look for absolute limits. A square with a < pointing away from it can never be a 5. A square with a > pointing towards it can never be a 1.

4

Strategy 2: Follow the Chains

Look for connected signs in a row or column (e.g., A < B < C). Long chains severely restrict which numbers can fit, giving you an easy starting point.

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Futoshiki FAQ

What are other names for Futoshiki?
Futoshiki is known globally as More or Less, Unequal, Hutoshiki, and Inequality.
How is Futoshiki different from Sudoku?
While both are Latin Square puzzles, Sudoku uses 3×3 block constraints in a 9×9 grid, whereas Futoshiki uses inequality signs (> and <) between adjacent cells in a smaller 5×5 grid. Futoshiki requires reasoning about relative values rather than absolute placements.
What grid sizes does Futoshiki come in?
The most common size is 5×5, but Futoshiki can also be played on 4×4, 6×6, 7×7, and even 9×9 grids. Larger grids provide significantly more challenge as candidate interactions increase exponentially.
Do I need to be good at math?
No arithmetic is required. Futoshiki is a pure logic puzzle. You only need to understand “greater than” and “less than” relationships. The numbers 1–5 are simply symbols representing an ordered sequence.
Can Futoshiki puzzles be solved without guessing?
Yes. Every puzzle on Daily Logic Games has a single unique solution that can be reached entirely through logical deduction. Guessing is never required.
What is the best starting strategy for Futoshiki?
Look for absolute extremes. For example, in a 5x5 grid, a cell with a “<” pointing away from it cannot be a 5, and a cell with a “>” pointing towards it cannot be a 1.
Are there advanced Futoshiki techniques?
Yes. As puzzles get harder, you must use techniques like hidden singles, naked pairs, and chain implications where A < B < C restricts the possible values for all three cells.
Can a 5x5 Futoshiki have multiple solutions?
A properly designed Futoshiki puzzle will always have exactly one unique solution. If you find multiple valid grid fills, the puzzle is logically flawed.