A reader's note
How to play Nonograms
A nonogram is a picture logic puzzle, also known as picross. Use the number clues beside each row and above each column to work out which cells to fill and reveal a picture. Nonolendar uses color nonograms, where each clue also tells you the color.
The complete rules
How do nonogram clues work?
Row clues are read from left to right. Column clues are read from top to bottom.
Each number describes one contiguous run of filled cells in that clue's color. The runs appear in the same order as their clues.
When do runs need a gap?
Runs of the same color must have at least one empty cell between them. Runs of different colors may touch with no empty cell between them.
For example, two red clues of 1 mean two red single cells with a gap between them. A red 2 followed by a green 2 can be two red cells immediately followed by two green cells.
Are X marks required to finish?
You may place X marks as optional deduction notes for cells you believe are empty. An X mark is not a filled cell.
A puzzle is complete when every filled cell and every color matches the solution. You do not need to mark every empty cell with an X.
Nonogram tips for beginners
- Look for long runs and lines with little spare space.
- Use X marks to record cells a run cannot occupy.
- Check both the row and column clues before choosing a color.
The tutorial is optional. You can play today's nonograms at any time. Complete both daily puzzles to discover an illustrated story from this day in history.
Optional practice
Try the 5×5 tutorial
Make a small two-color flower using the same board controls as the daily puzzles. There is no required click order.
Click or drag to fill. Click the same color again to clear. Right-click or right-drag to place X marks; on touch, long-press. Use arrow keys, Enter, and X from the keyboard.
First row: the two red 1s are separate runs, so at least one empty cell must sit between them.
Middle column: the red 2 touches the green 2. Different-color runs do not need a gap.