By Michael Hartley
Squink is short for Square Think. In a Squink puzzle, you need to be able to spot all the squares in a pattern drawn on a grid. Here's a typical (solved) Squink Puzzle :
The numbers show how many squares surround each location. For example, the square labeled "2" near the top is surrounded by a 1x1 square, and also by a 3x3 square. It's neighbors are only inside the 3x3 square, so they are labeled "1". And can you see why there's a "3" in the place where the 2x2 and 3x3 squares meet? If so, you might just be ready to play Squink!
There are two ways to play.
If you choose "Count the Squares", you are shown the pattern. You need to count how many squares there are around each place in the grid. Enter the numbers using the mouse, and the buttons "Add", "Remove" and "Set" and the number spinner :
Click "Done" when you think you've got it right!
If you choose "Find the Squares", you are shown a grid full of numbers. Your job is to draw a pattern of squares which match the numbers you see! As you click on the grid, you are adding or removing edges, depending on which of the "Add" and "Remove" buttons are selected :
You can add edit the "Square Size" to add or remove larger squares. Click "Done" when you think you've got it right!
For either type of puzzle, you start new puzzles using these buttons :
- A "Small" puzzle will fit on a 4x4 grid.
- A "Medium" puzzle is on a 7x7 grid, and
- A "Large" puzzle fits on a 10x10 grid!
- You can have any size grid you want by adjusting the "Width" and "Height" and clicking "Custom".
Once you're used to Squink, you can design your own squink puzzles and share them with your friends! To do this, choose "Puzzle Designer" below...
Still not sure how Squink works? Try some of the tutorial puzzles below...
- Tutorial Puzzle 1 has a 2x2 square and a 3x3 square. Choose Count the Squares or Find the Squares, then click on the Tutorial 1 button. Try to solve the puzzle. If you're stuck, have a look at the solved puzzle in the Puzzle Designer.
- Tutorial Puzzle 2 also has a 2x2 square and a 3x3 square. It also has one more square - can you see it? Choose Count the Squares then click on Tutorial 2 and try to solve it.
- Next try Tutorial Puzzle 3. Choose Count the Squares or Find the Squares, then click on the Tutorial 3 button. How did you go?
- Try Tutorial Puzzle 4 in Count the squares mode. Did you manage to get it all correct?
- Finally, try Tutorial Puzzle 5 in Find the squares mode. If you get it on your first try, you're on your way to becoming a Squink champion!