Slitherlink
Jeffrey J. Wanko · 2021
A standard Slitherlink puzzle consists of a square array of dots with numbers placed in some of the open spaces. The goal of a Slitherlink puzzle is to create a single closed loop by connecting the dots using horizontal and vertical line segments. The numbers in the grid indicate the number of line segments around the number that are part of the closed loop. The challenge comes in removing some of the numbers—leaving enough so that the solution can still be determined using logic and spatial reasoning but not removing too many and creating a situation where more than one solution is possible. The grouping of the numbers also determines the puzzle’s difficulty level and the way that a solver may attack the puzzle. Puzzles with numbers that are grouped in ways that allow a solver to use some of the shortcuts that were alluded to earlier are a good way to start.