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Overview
Slitherlink icon SL

Slitherlink

일필휘지-싱글 라인 루프

Connect the dots to form one loop that matches every numbered cell.

A single loop, no dead ends—numbers quietly dictate where the fence must go.

Players: 1P Session length: 5-20 min
Logic PuzzleLoop Puzzle

Goal & Core Rules

Draw a single continuous loop along the grid lines so that each numbered cell has exactly that many of its sides used by the loop.

  • Draw lines between adjacent dots (horizontally/vertically) to form a single loop.
  • The loop cannot branch and must have no loose ends.
  • A number in a cell tells how many of its four sides are part of the loop.
  • All numbered cells must be satisfied.

Controls

Mouse

  • Click an edge: toggle line / X mark
  • Drag: draw multiple edges (if supported)
  • Right click: toggle X mark (if supported)

Keyboard

  • Arrow keys: move cursor (if supported)
  • Space/Enter: toggle line (if supported)
  • X: toggle X mark (if supported)

Touch

  • Tap: toggle line / X mark
  • Drag: draw multiple edges (if supported)
  • Long-press: toggle X mark (if supported)

Beginner Tips

  • Start with 0s and 3s—they immediately forbid or force edges around a cell.
  • Mark impossible edges with X to avoid accidental branching later.
  • Follow the loop rule: any vertex can have degree 0 or 2—never 1 or 3.

Advanced Tips

  • Avoid premature small loops unless you’re sure the entire loop is complete.
  • Use parity/region reasoning: a loop must enter/leave areas in balanced ways on many grids.
  • When you force an edge, immediately propagate vertex constraints two steps out.

Origins & History

Slitherlink is a Nikoli logic puzzle that first appeared in Puzzle Communication Nikoli issue #26 (June 1989). It also became known internationally under many alternate names such as Fences and Loop the Loop.

Timeline

  1. 1989 First appeared in Puzzle Communication Nikoli (issue #26, June 1989).

FAQ

Can the loop touch itself?

It can touch at corners, but it cannot cross or branch.

What do numbers 0 and 3 mean?

0 forbids all four sides; 3 forces three of the four sides to be in the loop.

What if I create two separate loops?

That violates the ‘single loop’ rule—merge them or undo the closure.

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