THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN
Lights Out: rules and examples
Take a moment with Lights Out before moving to another game. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Build familiarity through play
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Keep the objective visible.
What counts as success
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
The order of play
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Choosing and moving on screen
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Look at the feedback after the action.
A closer look at one example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Verify the rule before continuing.
A common point of confusion
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Clarifying the way this game works
On this playing page, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
For clarity: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
On this playing page, what format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While learning, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
