Monodoku's Queens-style puzzle guide

One opening in a column

The same idea works vertically. A column with just one available square tells you exactly where to place an animal.

Try the example

The basics / 04

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

Column 2 has only one square left.

When to use it

Scan vertically through a column that still needs an animal. When there is exactly one opening, place the animal there. Then mark its row, color and neighbors to uncover the next move.

What to watch for

Do not wait for the opening's color to be solved. One available square in a column is enough, even when that color has other openings in other columns.

Read the full explanation

Column 2 has only one square left.
Place an animal in the ringed square.
The monkey belongs in row 4, column 2.

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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