How to Play Star Battle

THE PLAYBOOK · HEY172

Star Battle: instructions and practice

Bring your attention to one round of Star Battle. Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

Solve ten 6×6 puzzles with one star in every row, column and region. These boards use the one-star rule.

One thing to notice as you play

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Notice the feedback after each input.

The purpose of your moves

Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

1. Tap to place a star, mark a cell or clear it.
2. Respect fixed starter stars.
3. Check rows, columns and coloured regions.
4. Check puzzle verifies the final arrangement.

How to use the controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Work through an example

A placed star rules out all eight neighbouring squares. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the controls nearby.

An important reminder

Different rows do not make diagonal neighbours legal. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Questions that come up during play