The overlap method
Push a run as far left as it goes, then as far right: the squares it covers both times must be filled. Learn the overlap method on a real puzzle. Solving methods · lesson 1 of 2.
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The lesson in words
The first column’s clue is 7, in a column of 8. Pushed to the top, the run covers squares 1 to 7 (highlighted). Pushed to the bottom, it covers 2 to 8.
Squares 2 to 7 are filled either way, so you can fill them now. That’s the overlap.
Fill the overlap.
Try it: Tap the six squares of the first column that must be filled.
It works with several runs too. The top row is 3 3. Pushed left: squares 1–3 and 5–7. Pushed right: 2–4 and 6–8.
Try it: Tap the four squares of the top row where each run overlaps itself.
The biggest overlap of all: the sixth row is 1 4 1. That’s 1 + 4 + 1 squares plus two gaps: exactly 8. There’s only one way to fit it.
Try it: Tap every filled square of the sixth row.
Left, right, overlap. Start every puzzle with the biggest clues. Next: the edge method.