Futoshiki

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Futoshiki (不等式, futōshiki^?) is a logic puzzle game from Japan. Its name means "not equal". It is also spelled hutosiki (using Kunrei-shiki romanization).

[edit] How to play

The puzzle is played on a square grid, such as 5 x 5. The objective is to place the numbers 1 to 5 (or whatever the dimensions are) in each row, ensuring that each column also only contains the digits 1 to 5. Some digits may be given at the start. In addition, inequality constraints are also initially specifed between some of the squares, such that one must be higher or lower than its neighbour. These constraints must be honoured as the grid is filled out.

[edit] Futoshiki in the United Kingdom

The puzzle is published every Saturday in The Guardian. However, the series did not get off to a good launch. The second-published puzzle had multiple solutions, and the third week's puzzle was identical to the second. There are currently no plans to publish Futoshiki puzzles daily.