Game guide · XINHENGEST
A practical guide to Water Jug Puzzle
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. Choose one of six capacity-and-target puzzles. Both jugs begin empty. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What the game asks you to do
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring.
The order of play
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
One way to understand the rules
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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 goal in mind before your next move.
Avoid this misunderstanding
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Helpful answers for players
When I start, what is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
Which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
