How to Play Lights Out

THE PLAYBOOK · PLJTSS

How to play Lights Out

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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Read the objective before making your first input. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

Focus on one rule

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Keep the objective visible.

Your goal

Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. The example below illustrates a decision.

Step by step

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.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Use one clear input at a time.

A useful example

Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the game’s format in mind.

Watch out for this

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions