Masyu

Masyu is drawn on a grid dotted with black and white pearls, and the goal is a single unbroken loop that passes through every pearl on the board. A white pearl means the loop must go straight through that cell but turn immediately in at least one of the adjacent cells; a black pearl means the loop must turn at that cell and go straight through both neighboring cells. Just two symbols, and remarkably deep logic.

A pearl-necklace loop puzzle with just two symbols.

Learn the rules for Masyu below to get ready.

Sobre Masyu

Masyu is drawn on a grid dotted with black and white pearls, and the goal is a single unbroken loop that passes through every pearl on the board. A white pearl means the loop must go straight through that cell but turn immediately in at least one of the adjacent cells; a black pearl means the loop must turn at that cell and go straight through both neighboring cells. Just two symbols, and remarkably deep logic.

Como jogar Masyu

  1. Draw one continuous loop that passes through every pearl on the board, using grid lines between cells.
  2. At a white pearl, the loop must travel straight through and turn in the cell immediately before or after it (or both).
  3. At a black pearl, the loop must turn at that cell and travel straight through the cell on each side of the turn.
  4. The loop can't cross itself, branch, or skip any pearl.
  5. The puzzle is solved when the loop closes into a single continuous shape that satisfies every pearl.
Full Masyuguide — tips & FAQ

Dicas e estratégias

  • A white pearl on the very edge or corner of the grid is heavily constrained — its straight-through direction is often forced.
  • Two white pearls in a row along the same line usually force the loop to run straight through both.
  • For a black pearl, check both possible turn directions — often only one leaves room for the straight segments it requires on each side.
  • Trace partial loop segments outward from pearls near the edges first — they have the fewest valid routes.

Perguntas frequentes sobre Masyu

What's the difference between a white and black pearl?

White pearls require the loop to go straight through that cell while turning at a neighbor; black pearls require the loop to turn at that cell while going straight through both neighbors.

Does the loop have to visit every cell on the board?

No — only every pearl must be visited. Non-pearl cells may or may not be part of the loop.

Can the loop touch itself at a corner without crossing?

No — the loop is a single simple closed curve with no self-touching points, even at corners.

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