THE PLAYBOOK · HEY172
Read before your next round of Lights Out
Try Lights Out at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Something to practise
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.
Aim for this result
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Making your moves
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
Put the rules into context
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.
One detail worth checking
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.
Questions that come up during play
When I return, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
While learning, what format does Lights Out offer?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
When I return, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
