How to Play Pips Like a Pro
Master the addictive domino puzzle game with this comprehensive guide
⚡ Quick Start
The Goal
Place all 6 dominoes on the board so every colored region satisfies its constraint.
How to Win
All dominoes placed + All regions satisfied = Victory! 🎉
🎲 The Basics
Understanding Dominoes
- →Each domino has two halves, showing 0-6 pips (dots)
- →Dominoes occupy exactly 2 adjacent cells (horizontal or vertical)
- →Each puzzle uses 6 unique dominoes - use them all!
- →Tap/click to select, right-click to rotate
Understanding the Board
- →The board is divided into colored regions
- →Each region has a constraint badge (circular marker)
- →Region sizes vary: some have 1 cell, others have 3 or more
- →All pips within a region must satisfy its rule
🎨 Region Constraint Types
EQUAL - All Same
Rule: Every pip value in this region must be identical.
✓ Valid Examples:
- • All cells = 3
- • All cells = 5
- • All cells = 0 (yes, zero counts!)
✗ Invalid:
- • Cells showing 2, 2, 3 (not all same)
💡 Pro Tip:
Look for dominoes with matching halves (like 2-2, 4-4) for 2-cell equal regions!
NOT EQUAL - All Different
Rule: Every pip value in this region must be unique (no repeats).
✓ Valid Examples:
- • 1, 4, 6 (all different)
- • 0, 2, 5, 3 (all unique)
✗ Invalid:
- • 2, 4, 2 (duplicate 2)
- • 5, 5 (repeated value)
💡 Pro Tip:
Count available distinct values. A 4-cell not-equal region needs 4 different numbers!
SUM - Must Add Up
Rule: All pip values in this region must sum to the target number.
✓ Valid Example (target = 10):
- • 2 + 3 + 5 = 10 ✓
- • 4 + 6 = 10 ✓
- • 1 + 1 + 4 + 4 = 10 ✓
✗ Invalid:
- • 3 + 4 + 5 = 12 (wrong sum)
💡 Pro Tip:
Calculate the average: sum ÷ cells. A region needing sum=6 in 3 cells averages 2 per cell.
📋 Step-by-Step Solving Guide
Scan the Board
Study all regions and their constraints. Identify which regions have the strictest requirements (like equal regions or low sum values).
Start with Constraints
Begin with regions that have the most specific requirements. 2-cell equal regions often have only one or two valid domino options.
Use Process of Elimination
As you place dominoes, mentally cross them off. Track which values you've used and which remain available.
Check Before Committing
Before placing a domino, verify it doesn't create impossible situations for remaining regions. Think one or two moves ahead.
Verify and Adjust
Once all dominoes are placed, double-check each region. Use Ctrl+Z to undo if needed. Don't hesitate to backtrack!
🏆 Pro Strategies
🎯 The "Anchor" Technique
Find a domino that can ONLY fit in one location due to constraints. Place it first as an "anchor" - it helps determine other placements.
🧮 Sum Math Tricks
For sum regions, calculate what combinations work. If sum=7 in 2 cells, valid pairs are: 0+7, 1+6, 2+5, 3+4.
🔄 Rotation Awareness
Don't forget dominoes can be rotated! A 2-5 domino can be placed horizontally OR vertically. Try both orientations.
🔍 Pattern Recognition
With practice, you'll recognize common patterns. For example, a single-cell region often needs a specific domino orientation.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Region Boundaries
Remember: constraints apply to ENTIRE regions, not individual cells. A domino spanning two regions must satisfy BOTH constraints.
Forgetting Zero Exists
Pips range from 0-6, not 1-6! Zero is a valid value and can be crucial for low-sum regions.
Rushing Placement
Take your time! A hasty placement can create an unsolvable situation. Better to think for 30 seconds than restart the entire puzzle.
Not Using Undo
The undo button (Ctrl+Z) is your friend! Don't be afraid to backtrack if you realize a mistake. It's faster than resetting.
📊 Understanding Difficulty Levels
Perfect for Beginners
- • Smaller regions (mostly 2-3 cells)
- • Clear, straightforward constraints
- • Few overlapping regions
- • Usually solvable in under 3 minutes
For Experienced Players
- • Mixed region sizes
- • More complex constraint combinations
- • Requires strategic thinking
- • Average solve time: 4-6 minutes
For Puzzle Masters
- • Complex region layouts
- • Multiple interdependent constraints
- • Requires advanced techniques
- • Can take 10+ minutes to solve
🎓 Practice Makes Perfect
Daily Practice Routine
- ✓ Start with one easy puzzle to warm up
- ✓ Move to your current skill level
- ✓ Challenge yourself with one harder puzzle
- ✓ Review your mistakes and learn patterns
Track Your Progress
- 📊 Monitor your completion times
- 🔥 Build a daily solving streak
- 📈 Gradually increase difficulty
- 🏆 Aim to beat your personal best
Ready to Become a Pips Master?
Apply these strategies to today's puzzle and watch your skills improve!