Hashi · Island BridgesRules and first deductions

How to play Hashi.

Connect every numbered island with the exact number of bridges—and make one complete network.

The whole rule set: bridges run horizontally or vertically, never cross, and there can be at most two between a pair of islands.

What each number means

An island's number is the total number of bridges that must touch it. A 1 needs one bridge; an 8 in the open centre needs two bridges in all four directions. Bridges only connect visible islands in the same row or column.

The four rules

1. Draw one or two bridges between aligned islands.
2. Make the total at every island match its number.
3. Never let bridges cross another bridge or pass through an island.
4. Connect all islands into one network; isolated groups are not allowed.

Good first moves

Start with constrained islands. A corner 4 must send two bridges in both available directions. A side 6 must send two in all three directions. Also watch low-number islands: connecting two 1s can close a finished group too early.