How to Play Fences
Fences is the loop puzzle (also called Slitherlink or Loop the Loop): a grid of dots, some squares numbered, and a single fence to draw.
The rules
- Connect neighbouring dots with lines to draw one closed loop.
- The loop never branches or crosses: each dot has 0 or 2 lines.
- A number in a square says how many of its four sides are drawn. Unnumbered squares are free.
Playing on kawu
- Tap the gap between two dots: once draws a line, twice a cross (you know there's no line), three times clears it.
- The status line counts your drawn lines; the puzzle completes when one closed loop meets every number.
- Undo steps back. Hint fixes a wrong line or cross first; otherwise it adds a correct line next to what you've drawn.
- Sizes: 5×5, 6×6 and 7×7. The daily puzzle is the same 6×6 for everyone.
Next, read the Fences solving techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What does a square with no number mean?
Nothing is known about it: zero, one, two or three of its sides may be on the loop. (Four is impossible, since the loop would be just that square.)
Can the loop touch itself at a corner?
No. Every dot has either zero or exactly two lines. A dot with three or four lines would be a branch or a crossing.
Does every puzzle have exactly one answer?
Yes. Puzzles on kawu are built so that only one loop fits the numbers, so you never have to guess.
Last updated 2026-10-20