How to play Number Runs
The rules
- The grid is split into groups of 2 to 5 cells, shown with thick borders.
- Every cell takes a number from 1 to 6.
- A group of N cells holds N consecutive numbers, each once, for example 3, 4, 5. The run can start anywhere.
- Two cells that touch, also diagonally, never hold the same number, also across group borders.
Every puzzle has exactly one solution, and you reach it by logic, without guessing.
How to play here
- Select a cell: click it or use the arrows.
- Number: keys 1–6 or the number pad.
- Notes: press N or the Notes button, or hold Shift with a number.
- Erase: Delete or 0.
- Equal numbers that touch, a number twice in a group, or two numbers of a group too far apart for a run are marked with diagonal stripes. An empty cell where no number fits gets an ×.
Difficulty levels
| Level | Size | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 5×5 | Single option, run length and only place |
| Medium | 6×6 | + Neighbours |
| Hard | 7×7 | + Neighbours, five times or more |
| Expert | 7×7 | + Try it |
Techniques
Single option
When a cell’s group and its touching cells leave just one number, that’s the number.
Run length
A group of N cells is a run of N numbers, so the numbers already in it limit where the run can start. A group of 3 that holds a 5 can only be 3–5 or 4–6: a 1 or 2 can’t go in it.
Only place
When every possible run of a group needs a number, and only one cell of the group can take it, it goes there.
Neighbours
A number must go in one of a few cells of its group. If another cell touches all of them, that cell can’t hold the number.
Try it
A cell has two possible numbers. Put one of them in and follow the easy steps. If you reach a dead end, the other number is right.
Tips
- Look at the big groups first: a group of 5 is 1–5 or 2–6, so it always holds 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- A group of 4 always holds 3 and 4.
- Take notes for the cells of small groups: they have the most possible runs.
FAQ
- Does a run have to start at 1?
- No. A group of 3 cells can hold 1, 2, 3 or 2, 3, 4, up to 4, 5, 6. The numbers in and around the group tell you where its run starts.
- Can equal numbers touch across a group border?
- No. Two cells that touch, side by side or diagonally, never hold the same number, whatever group they are in.
- Is there a new puzzle every day?
- Yes. A new Number Runs puzzle is published every day at each of the four levels: easy, medium, hard and expert. Earlier puzzles are in the archive.
- Do I need an account to play?
- No. You play right in your browser, with no sign-up and no cookies. Your progress is saved in your browser.