Nonograms – unblocked

About Nonograms

Currently, the game is available in the electronic media as well, with an option to play Daily Nonograms online as provided here. Nonograms go by many other names such as Griddlers, Paint by Numbers, Hanjie or in some rare instances, Japanese Crosswords.

Rules of the Game

Nonograms have a characteristic grid layout that comprises of cells that require to be filled or left blank so as to reveal an underlying image. At the top of each column, and at the side of each row of the grid, is a set of numbers that determine the manner in which the cells will be colored. A notation of ‘7 1’ means that there will be a continuous run of 7 black squares followed by one or more white squares. This is then succeeded by one more black square. However, there may be other white squares that appear before or after the order of black and white squares defined in the notation.

The grid provided for gameplay always comes in the order of perfect squares. For example, the grid can come in the form of a 15 * 15 cells or any other value that fits in the description of the rules of the game. It is important to note that the higher the order of the grid, the more complicated the game becomes. However, this also adds to the time of gameplay, brain activity and the fun of figuring out what the puzzle is. Therefore, in essence, the complexity of the game and the fun of playing it is a trade-off that can be accepted by anyone who fancies a challenge.
The game comes to an end when all the squares are colored in accordance to the set of numbers provided on the top of the columns and the side of the rows of the grid. One should note the unveiling of the hidden object in the grid once the desired cells are colored.

Nonograms – Gameplay

The main objective of the game is to unravel the image beneath the puzzle. One has to determine which cells should be covered and which ones should be left bare. In many of the instances, the players use a marker to determine which cells will remain white. Cells that can be determined using logic are filled first. A point to note is that guessing is not the best approach to use when tackling Picross since it lays the grid open for the propagation of errors throughout the field of play. The hidden picture does little to solve the puzzle at hand. However, it can be used to eliminate the errors present in the grid.

For simple puzzles, one can easily determine the cells in the single row, or column, to be filled by basic reasoning. This is done successively until all the cells in the grid are dealt with. Complex puzzles require more insight to the contradictions that may arise upon filling one cell to another so as to fulfill the count captured in the number sets of the rows and columns given. A video tutorial of Nonograms is provided bellow.

Methods for Solving the Nonograms

There are a number of methods that favor the process of solving the puzzles presented by Picross. Simple boxes method uses a high probability approach to determine the cells that need coloring. For instance, in a row with ten cells and a clue for 8 cells to be colored, there is a definite probability that the median six cells will be filled, leaving only 2 cells left before or after the six-cell sequence to be filled. The simple spaces method uses the same approach as the simple boxes method, but in this case, to determine the definite cells that would remain as spaces.

Another approach in solving the puzzle in Picross is through the use of contradictions. This approach is applicable for complex puzzles that require advanced reasoning when there are no simpler methods to use. With the use of contradictions, one has to use a form of temporary marker to facilitate corrections.

There is also a provision to use a mathematical approach in the initial stages of figuring the puzzle out. This method adds the value of all the clues given, with each space given a value of 1. The sum is then subtracted from the total number of cells in the row/column. If there is a clue that has a numerical value that is greater than the difference obtained, the clue will have some of its cells filled. However, this method does not always yield results at the start.

HINT – you can use a nonogram solver like this one.

Benefits of Playing Picross

Nonograms add a number of beneficial aspects to the player of the game. Being a form of puzzle, the picture crossword is believed to alleviate the stress levels in the players. This is especially since, during gameplay, the only objective in the mind of the gamer is to complete the puzzle. Additionally, scientists have proven that getting involved in puzzle games can improve one’s mental health by enhancing the analytical and cognitive skills in the said individuals. Puzzles also require one to engage in a continuous tendency of creative thinking, therefore ensuring the brain is always working during the period of play.

Games like Nonograms

There are other games that come in close as an alternative to playing Picross. These include Daily 15 Up, Daily Binario, Daily Calcudoku, and Daily Shikaku. Others include Daily Check it, Daily Stream and Daily Kakuro, and Sudoku.

Well, if you like Nonograms, you might want to check out Solitaire games, Top free MSN games or AARP games, and AOL games.