Monodoku's Queens-style puzzle guide

One opening in a color

Each color needs one animal. When only one square in that color is still available, you have your next placement.

Try the example

The basics / 02

Work through the board

A REAL MONODOKU POSITION4 × 4

Outlines show the reason. Rings show the next move.
Small numbers identify matching colors.

Step 1 of 3

This color has only one square left.

When to use it

Look at a color that does not have an animal yet. Count the squares you have not ruled out. If exactly one remains, place the animal there, even if the row and column still have other openings.

What to watch for

Count available squares, not the total size of the color. A large color region can have just one opening after nearby animals and previous deductions rule out its other squares.

Read the full explanation

This color has only one square left.
Place an animal in the ringed square.
The monkey belongs in row 2, column 1.

Examples use the game's own hint engine. A test placement is temporary; only the proven move is applied.

The same reasoning applies to other Queens-style games, including Meowdoku, with one animal or queen per row, column and color, and no touching, even diagonally.

You'll learn as you play

No need to memorize it all.

Begin with the basics. Monodoku introduces new techniques with a visual lesson when you need them. Hints explain the reasoning, one step at a time.

Try your first puzzle

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