How to Play Lights Out

THE PLAYBOOK · 09JB

A practical guide to Lights Out

Bring your attention to one round of Lights Out. 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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Give this approach a try

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Notice the feedback after each input.

What you are aiming for

Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

The playing sequence

1. Select a light or an unlit tile.
2. The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
3. Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
4. Use Undo to try another approach.

Using the playing area

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

A useful 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. Choose a deliberate next step.

Notice this detail

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

A few questions answered