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Slitherlink: Loop the Snake — Fan Guide

This site explains Slitherlink in clear language: what the puzzle is, how the rules work, and which strategies help you draw one continuous loop without crossings or branches. It is made for players of all ages who want an approachable learning path.

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What Is Slitherlink?

Slitherlink is a loop-forming logic puzzle played on a grid of dots. Some cells contain digits 0–3 indicating how many of the four edges around the cell belong to the final loop. Your task is to choose edges so that they form one single continuous loop with no crossings and no branches.

This website is a learning resource. We summarize the rules, outline beginner-friendly strategies, and provide practice ideas you can reproduce on paper or in any preferred app. We do not host the game and we do not provide download links.

At a Glance

  • One loop along grid lines
  • Numbers constrain local edges
  • No guessing on well-designed puzzles
  • Great for focus and relaxation

Rules

  1. The loop is drawn along grid edges and must be one continuous cycle.
  2. Digits 0–3 say how many of the cell’s four edges are part of the loop.
  3. Empty cells may have any number of loop edges from 0 to 4.
  4. Edges cannot cross; vertices touched by the loop have degree 2.
  5. Small closed loops are not allowed unless they are the final loop.

Typical Clues

Zero rule example
0 Block

All four surrounding edges are off.

Three rule example
3 Pressure

Exactly three edges around the cell are on.

Corner pattern
Corner Logic

In corners, 3s force lines, 0s clear lines.

Illustrations are simplified examples created for this fan guide.

Core Strategies

Line & Blank Propagation

When a cell reaches its count, mark remaining edges off; when it cannot reach the count without a new edge, mark that edge on.

1-2-1 Runs

Along a straight row of clues 1-2-1, certain edges must alternate on/off to avoid early loops.

Contradiction Checks

Assume an edge and follow implications; if it creates a branch or isolated loop, the opposite holds.

Avoid Short Cycles

Any early small cycle violates the single-loop rule; steer lines outward until the global loop forms.

Practice Ideas

Paper & Pencil

Print a dot grid, place digits by hand, and practice marking edges with two symbols: bold for lines, dots for blanks. This builds muscle memory for propagation.

  • Start with small 6×6 boards
  • Use a second color for forced blanks
  • Time yourself only after rules feel natural

Skill Drills

Create mini-puzzles focusing on a single idea: corner 3s, walls of 0s, 1-2-1 corridors. Solve quickly to lock in patterns.

Corner drill Zero wall drill 121 corridor drill

Newsletter

Occasional emails with technique explainers and printable practice boards. You can unsubscribe anytime.

We store only the email you submit for the purpose of sending the newsletter.

Player Reviews

Avatar Alex
Alex

The rules are concise and the drills are perfect for short daily practice.

Avatar Maya
Maya

Great beginner tips. “Avoid short cycles” finally clicked for me.

Avatar Ken
Ken

Clean layout and dark mode feel, just like the puzzle I play.

FAQ

Is this the official website?

No. This is an independent, non-commercial fan site. We provide instructions and strategy notes only and are not affiliated with any developer or publisher.

Do you host downloads or store links?

No. We do not host game files and do not link to app stores. This site focuses on learning how to play.

Is guessing required in Slitherlink?

Good puzzles are solvable through logic alone. If stuck, use contradiction checks instead of random guesses.

What board size should I start with?

Try 6×6 or 8×8 with visible 0s and 3s, then increase difficulty as patterns become familiar.

Contact

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