THE PLAYBOOK · ZOEHERO
Lights Out: a guide for your next round
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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Look at what changes after your first action.
Build familiarity through play
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Make the next step deliberately.
Understand the aim
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
See the idea in action
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. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
A few questions answered
While learning, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, 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.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
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.
On this playing page, which play mode does Lights Out use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
