If you have seen our free printable PDF Numbrix puzzles and would like to give them a go but are not sure how to start then read on 🙂 In this walk through we’ll demonstrate how to solve Numbrix logic puzzles and share with you some tips. If you would like to read more about Numbrix puzzles, see our page HERE!
Rules for Numbrix Logic Puzzles
Like many great logic puzzles, the rules are simple – which doesn’t mean solving the puzzles is! Numbrix is a logic puzzle played on a rectangular grid of squares. Some of the cells have numbers in them. Here is a reminder of the rules:
- The goal is to fill in the missing numbers, in sequential order, going horizontally and vertically only. Diagonal paths are not allowed.
- The numbers must be from 1 to the number of squares in the grid, inclusive.
- For example, if the grid is 9×9, the numbers would be from 1 to 81.
Tips for solving Numbrix puzzles
The biggest and best tip to help you solve Numbrix puzzles is to watch for dead ends. Make sure you don’t place numbers where it’s impossible to continue the path. Alternatively, make sure you don’t place numbers in such a way that you create a ‘wall’ around a cell which makes it impossible to connect with.
Numbrix Puzzle Walkthrough for Beginners
If you want to join in the walkthrough, you’ll find the puzzle we are using ready to download using the button below:
solvalong puzzlebreaks
Start With The Obvious
Take a look at the grid and see if you can see any obvious placements. For example, 28 can only go here.
Why can’t it go above the 27? Because that would create a deadend.
Work Through Alternatives
When there are alternative options available, work through to see what the outcome of each will be.
In the example you will see that if we followed the blue path, we’d block our path as there would be nowhere to go after 33.
Don’t Guess!
Try not to guess! If there’s not enough information available or you can’t follow a path as we did above, don’t guess, just make a note to come back to it later when there is more information available.
Don’t Make Deadends!
Here’s an example of what not to do 🙂 See how if we followed this path, we’d be blocking off these two spaces making it impossible to complete the path.
Remember How Many Cells/Numbers There are 😉
Obviously 37 can not go here as there is no number 37 in this 6×6 grid! Make a note of the start and stop numbers as these will affect your options.
Count the Cells!
Look for the very obvious placements as we have here on the left of the grid. There are four blank cells available between 16 and 21 which coincide with 17,18,19 and 20.
By working through and filling in the obvious cells, it will start to open up new paths.
Work Back as Well as Forward To Fill Cells
By working backwards we can place 15 as it is the only possible option here.
Forward Plan
Now we have placed 14, there are two options for 13. Remember to work forward to see the implications of the placements as in this instance, we want to be sure we don’t block off access to number 10.
The Path Becomes Clearer
As more cells are filled, the path becomes more apparent. Here we’re working backwards to fill the cells.
Finished!
Here’s the finished grid. Remember – don’t guess 😉 look for the obvious ones and work backwards as well as forwards!
That’s all there is to it! Like so many logic puzzles this is deceptively simple 🙂 Take a look through our library of free PDF logic puzzles – we have plenty to keep you entertained!
