description Shikaku Overview
Shikaku is a logic puzzle published by the Japanese company Nikoli, with a name that translates to "divide by squares" or "rectangles." The puzzle is played on a rectangular grid where some cells contain numbers. The objective is to divide the entire grid into non-overlapping rectangles and squares such that each enclosed shape contains exactly one number, which dictates the precise area of that shape in unit cells. It is designed for fans of spatial reasoning and deduction who enjoy mathematical area-filling challenges.
insights Ranking position
Shikaku ranks #26 of 93 in the Logic Puzzle ranking, behind Blue Eyes Puzzle, ahead of N-Queens Problem.
help Shikaku FAQ
How do you play Shikaku puzzles?
Shikaku is a logic puzzle played on a rectangular grid where some cells contain numbers. The objective is to divide the entire grid into non-overlapping rectangles so that every rectangle contains exactly one number, and that number dictates the area of the rectangle.
What does the name Shikaku mean?
The puzzle is published by the Japanese company Nikoli, and its name translates to "divide by squares" or "rectangles." This directly describes the core mechanic of drawing borders to partition the grid.
Can a Shikaku rectangle have more than one number in it?
No, the rules dictate that every rectangle you draw must contain exactly one number. The number inside the cell serves as a clue, dictating the total number of cells that must be enclosed within that specific rectangle.
Do the rectangles in Shikaku have to be perfect squares?
No, the enclosed areas can be any shape of rectangle, meaning they can be tall and thin or short and wide. As long as the grid area of the enclosed shape equals the clue number, the puzzle's condition is satisfied.
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