Puzzle: First Sprout

Nonogram

Reveal the hidden picture by filling cells that match the clues. Use marks for cells you know should stay empty.

The puzzle completes automatically when every filled square matches the clue pattern. Marks are optional and do not need to be perfect.

Time0:00
Moves0
Score1200
Conflicts0
2
4
231
8
61
12
2
0
3
5
221
7
5
3
1
3

Strategy & Guide

How to Master Nonogram Puzzles

What is a Nonogram? (Picross, Griddlers, Hanjie)

Nonograms are classic Japanese picture logic puzzles first invented in 1987 by Non Ishida and Tetsuya Nishio. They are globally known by several names, including Picross, Griddlers, Hanjie, Paint by Numbers, or Pic-a-Pix.

The objective of a Nonogram is to reveal a hidden pixel-art illustration by shading cells on a rectangular grid based on numeric clues. These clues dictate the precise sequence and length of continuous shaded tiles in each row and column.

Step-by-Step Solving Strategies for Beginners

Solving a Nonogram doesn't require guessing! It is a game of pure mathematical deduction. Use these proven tips to solve grids of any size:

  • Start with the Largest Clues: Look for clues that equal the full grid length (e.g., an 8 on an 8x8 grid). Those lines are completely filled in.
  • The Overlap Method (Mathematical Bound): If a row clue is 5 on an 8x8 grid, count 5 from the left (cells 1 to 5) and 5 from the right (cells 4 to 8). The cells where these runs overlap (cells 4 and 5) MUST be filled!
  • Use Marks for Confirmed Empty Cells: As soon as you complete a clue run or determine that a cell cannot possibly be shaded, mark it with an "X" using our Mark tool. This helps isolate remaining options.
  • Check Column and Row Intersections: Every cell you fill or cross out in a row provides a constraint that helps you solve the intersecting columns, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nonograms

Q: Are all Nonograms solvable without guessing?

A: Yes! Every puzzle generated on Bryxo Games has a unique, mathematically validated solution that can be derived entirely through logical step-by-step reasoning.

Q: What do multiple numbers in a row clue mean?

A: Multiple numbers (e.g., "2 3") indicate separate groups of filled cells. The runs must appear in that exact order (a run of 2 followed by a run of 3) and must be separated by at least one blank or marked empty square.

Q: What is the fastest way to solve grids?

A: Use the Mark (X) tool aggressively. Visualizing empty spaces is just as critical as finding filled tiles.

Player guide

Nonogram Player Guide

Use row and column clues to reveal a hidden picture one proven cell at a time.

Game

Picture Logic Puzzle

Nonograms, also known as Picross, Griddlers, or Hanjie, are picture logic puzzles where every solved grid reveals pixel art. The objective is to color the correct cells based on the clues shown for each row and column.

How to play

Fill Picture Cells and Mark Empty Cells

Each row and column has number clues. A clue like "4 2" means there is a block of 4 filled cells, at least one empty space, then a block of 2 filled cells.

Use Fill for cells that must be part of the picture, and use Mark to cross out cells that must be empty. Moving between rows and columns helps each clue confirm the next one.

Strategy

Start With Big Clues and Overlaps

Begin with the largest clues because they give the most information. If a row has 8 cells and the clue is 8, the whole row is filled. If a clue is larger than half the row, imagine the block pushed all the way left and all the way right, then fill the cells that overlap in both positions.

Mark empty spaces as soon as you can prove them. When a completed block has been placed, the cell before or after it must be empty unless the block touches the edge.