Game guide · SXSS56
Water Jug Puzzle: instructions and practice
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Choose one of six capacity-and-target puzzles. Both jugs begin empty.
Six verified solvable capacity puzzles, with undo and move count. These are six levels of one game, not six separate games.
Build familiarity through play
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. A pour stops when the source is empty or the destination is full. It cannot stop at an arbitrary amount. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What you are aiming for
Read the position before choosing your next action. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Step by step
- Choose one of six capacity-and-target puzzles. Both jugs begin empty.
- Fill a jug to its capacity, empty it completely, or pour from one jug into the other.
- A pour stops when the source is empty or the destination is full. It cannot stop at an arbitrary amount.
- Reach the target quantity in either jug. Undo lets you try another route.
Input guidance
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres.
Learn from a sample situation
Take a moment to check the current turn. With 3- and 5-litre jugs, fill the 5-litre jug and pour into the 3-litre jug. The 5-litre jug now contains 2 litres. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity.
A few questions answered
For this game, what is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, can you show an example?
With 3- and 5-litre jugs, fill the 5-litre jug and pour into the 3-litre jug. The 5-litre jug now contains 2 litres. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, what rules and limits are used here?
Six verified solvable capacity puzzles, with undo and move count. These are six levels of one game, not six separate games. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The controls work with mouse or touch.