Futoshiki Strategy: 6 Techniques
1. The ends of every sign
The cell on the small side of a sign is never N; the cell on the big side is never 1. Write the notes.
2. Chains
A chain a > b > c means a is at least 3 and c is at most N−2. In a 5×5, a chain of four signs fixes all five digits.
3. Where can 1 go?
In each row, 1 can only be in a cell that isn't on the big side of any sign. Often that leaves one spot.
4. Where can N go?
The same for N: it must not be on the small side of a sign.
5. Trim from both ends
If one side of a sign has candidates 3 and the other 4, the bigger side keeps only 4 and the smaller only 2.
6. Finish with rows and columns
Once a few cells are fixed, the Latin-square rules do the rest. Hidden singles (a digit with only one place left in a row) are common.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you start a Futoshiki puzzle?
With the signs. A cell on the small side of a sign can't be N; a cell on the big side can't be 1. Chains of signs pin cells down further.
Last updated 2026-10-20