How to play Binairo
Three rules, one solution, no guessing. Here's each rule with a board you can tap.
Rule 1 — Balance
Every row and every column contains the same number of owls and foxes. On a 6×6 that's three of each per line; on an 8×8, four of each.
Pip: This row already has two owls and two foxes. Two cells left, one of each — and the fox can't go next to a fox pair. Try it.
Interactive example · 1 of 3 · tap the empty cells
Rule 2 — No crowds
Never three identical animals in a row, horizontally or vertically. Two together is fine; three is a crowd.
Pip: Two owls together. The cells either side can't be owls — that would make three. Fill the row.
Interactive example · 2 of 3 · tap the empty cells
Rule 3 — Links (Plus puzzles)
Some puzzles show a small = or × on the edge between two cells. = means the two cells hold the same animal; × means they differ.
Pip: The = joins an owl to an empty cell, so that cell is an owl too. The × means its pair must differ from the fox. Then balance the rest.
Interactive example · 3 of 3 · tap the empty cells
What you're promised
Every Hoot & Fox puzzle has exactly one solution and can be reached by deduction alone. If you feel you have to guess, there's a technique you haven't spotted yet — the techniques guide walks through all seven.
Try it
Today's Daily is the same puzzle as the app. Unlimited practice is one click away.