MathPup Shiki Guide & Strategies

About the Video

Learn how to play, spot inequality chains, and solve boards faster.

How to Play

• Grid Rules: Fill the 5x5 grid with numbers 1 through 5 so that each row and each column contains every number exactly once.
• Inequality Signs: Pay attention to the greater-than (>) and less-than (<) symbols between cells. All adjacent numbers must satisfy these clues.
• Placing Numbers: Click an empty square, then tap the number pad or drag and drop a number tile into place.
• Error Handling: If you place duplicate numbers in the same row or column, the cells will highlight in red to alert you.

Top Solving Strategies

• Find Inequality Chains: Look for chains like A < B < C < D. In a 5x5 grid, a 4-step chain forces the numbers to be strictly 1, 2, 3, 4, or 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Lock in 1s and 5s: A cell on the larger side of an inequality (>) can never be 1. A cell on the smaller side (<) can never be 5.
• Use Row & Col Elimination: Cross-reference missing numbers in a row or column with existing numbers in intersecting cells to eliminate possibilities quickly.

Tips for High Scores

• Minimize Hints: Each hint used costs 10 points from your round total. Try using process of elimination before tapping for help.
• Reset vs. Retry: If you make a mistake, using the Reset button clears the board so you can try again without forfeiting the puzzle layout.

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