THE PLAYBOOK · HKCYJC
An introduction to playing Lights Out
Start Lights Out by looking at the playing area and its controls. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Build familiarity through play
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
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. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
How to use the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
An example to follow
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Consider the next action carefully.
Where a round can go wrong
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
On this playing page, 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.
On this playing page, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
The key detail is this: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
For this browser game, what format does Lights Out offer?
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.