Hitori Strategy Guide
Master Hitori with these expert tips and techniques. From beginner fundamentals to advanced patterns, these strategies will help you solve puzzles faster and more confidently.
Practice now →Key Strategies
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Identify duplicate numbers first
Only duplicated numbers in a row or column can become shaded. Numbers that appear only once in their row and column are always unshaded — circle them.
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Shaded cells cannot touch
No two shaded cells may be orthogonally adjacent. When you shade a cell, mark its four neighbors as unshaded (circle them).
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White cells must stay connected
All unshaded cells must form a single connected group. Shading a cell that would cut the white region into two parts is invalid.
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Use the isolation test
If shading a cell would leave another unshaded cell completely surrounded by shaded cells (isolated), the shading is wrong — backtrack.
Put It Into Practice
The best way to improve is to play regularly. Start with an easy puzzle and apply these techniques one at a time.