How To Solve Gokigen Puzzles

Place a diagonal line in every cell in the grid. The numbers at the corners of some of the cells indicate the number of diagonals that converge on that point. The diagonal lines must not form a closed loop of any size. Every cell in the grid must have a diagonal line.

A Gokigen puzzle grid with numbered circles at intersections indicating the number of diagonals that converge on that point and featuring numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Puzzle

Here is a typical Gokigen puzzle grid. The grid size can be smaller or larger and varies in difficulty.

At the intersection of some lines are circles with a number. This number equals the number of diagonal lines extending from that circle. The diagonal lines must not form a closed loop of any size. Every cell in the grid must have a diagonal line.

A Gokigen solution showing black and white geometric grid with numbered circles containing numbers 1, 2, and 3, interconnected with lines forming a pattern.

Solution

The solution to the puzzle is shown here.

Notice that every cell contains only one diagonal line—also, the number of diagonal lines extending to a circle equals the number indicated in the circle. None of the diagonal lines form a closed loop of any kind.