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Binoxxo rules and solving tips

You may know the logic puzzle with X and O as Binoxxo from Swiss newspapers. It looks simple and gets tricky fast. Here you learn the three rules and four tricks that solve every one of these puzzles without guessing.

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The three rules

  1. No more than two of the same next to each other. Three X or three O in a row are not allowed, across or down.
  2. As many X as O. Every row and every column is exactly half X and half O.
  3. No two rows or columns are the same. Every full row differs from all other rows, and the same goes for columns.

Trick 1: close off pairs

When two of the same mark sit next to each other, the squares on both sides get the other mark.

_ X X _ → O X X O

Trick 2: fill the gaps

Between two of the same mark with one empty square in between, there is always the other mark.

O _ O → O X O

Trick 3: count

Once a row has half of its squares X, all its empty squares are O. In a grid of 6 that means: three X, so the rest is O.

X _ X O _ X → X O X O O X

Trick 4: avoid duplicate lines

When a row only misses one X and one O, compare it with the full rows. If one way would copy a finished row, it is the other way. This is the trick for hard puzzles.

How to go about it

First look for pairs and gaps everywhere. Every new mark can create new pairs, so go through the grid several times. When nothing works any more, count in every row and column. You only need trick 4 at the very end.

If you get stuck, Binoxxo Pro gives you a hint: the app shows the next square and explains which rule decides it. You earn credits for hints with every puzzle you solve.

Solve the newspaper puzzle on your phone

Take a photo of the puzzle, drag the four corners onto the grid, and Binoxxo Pro straightens the photo. Then tap X and O right onto the picture. The app notices at once when you break a rule.

Open Binoxxo Pro

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to guess?
No. A good puzzle has exactly one solution that follows square by square.

Which sizes are there?
Newspapers mostly print 10×10. In Binoxxo Pro you play from 6×6 to 14×14, at easy, medium and hard, plus shape puzzles.

Does it cost anything?
No, Binoxxo Pro is free and needs no account.