Dominosa· Advanced

Goal

Divide the entire number grid into domino tiles. For example, a 4×5 grid must be split into exactly 10 dominoes: [0|0], [0|1], [0|2], [0|3], [1|1], [1|2], [1|3], [2|2], [2|3], [3|3].

How to Play

  • Tap between two adjacent cells to pair them as a domino.
  • Tap an existing domino again to unpair it.
  • Turn on X-mark mode to mark 'these two cells are NOT a pair'. Useful for elimination.

Rule 1: Unique Pairs

Each number combination can only appear once in the entire puzzle. If you've placed a [2|3] domino, no other [2|3] can exist.

OK23x1
NG2323x2

Rule 2: All Cells Covered

Every cell must belong to exactly one domino — no gaps and no overlaps allowed.

OK1021
NG1201?

Completed Example

  • A domino pairs two horizontally or vertically adjacent cells. For example, if cells show '2' and '5' side by side, they form a [2|5] domino.
  • Each number pair appears exactly once. If you've already placed a [1|3] domino, no other pair of cells can form another [1|3].
  • Every cell must belong to exactly one domino — no gaps and no overlaps allowed.
0102211200113 x 4 (n=2)

Tip

  • Key strategy: If a number pair (e.g. [0|3]) appears adjacent in only one place on the grid, that domino's position is certain. Find these 'forced' dominoes first.
  • Use the reference grid at the bottom (mobile) or side (desktop). Dominoes without a ✓ mark haven't been placed yet.
  • Use X marks to eliminate impossible pairs first — this narrows down the remaining possibilities quickly.

Dominosa puzzles train combinatorial reasoning. Systematic elimination is a core deductive reasoning skill linked to prefrontal cortex activation.

  • Goel, V. & Dolan, R.J. (2004). Differential involvement of left prefrontal cortex in inductive and deductive reasoning. Cognition, 93(3), B109-B121.
  • Ferreira, N., et al. (2015). Sudoku — a brain-teaser or a mental health aid? PLOS ONE, 10(3), e0120548.