Roost Rows tips and solving techniques

Every Roost Rows board can be solved by logic alone. That means there is always at least one move you can prove. These are the patterns worth looking for, roughly from easiest to hardest. If the rules are new to you, start with how to play Roost Rows.

1. Start with the smallest color

A color with only one or two cells is a gift. A one-cell color is an owl straight away. A two-cell color tells you a lot even before you know which cell is right, because any cell that touches both of them can never hold an owl.

2. Look for a color that fits in one line

If every cell of a color sits in the same row, that row's owl must be inside that color. Rule out the rest of the row. The same works for columns. This is the single most useful pattern in the game.

3. Then turn it around

If a row has open cells in only one color, that color's owl must be in that row. Rule out every cell of that color in other rows.

4. Count colors against lines

Two colors that fit entirely inside the same two rows will use up both owls of those rows. Every other cell in those two rows can be ruled out. The idea scales: three colors packed into three columns claim all three columns.

5. Use the no-touching rule early

Owls block the eight cells around them. When a color has just two or three open cells left, check each one: would an owl there rule out every remaining cell of a neighboring color? If so, that cell is impossible.

6. Let Auto-X do the housekeeping

With Auto-X on, each owl you place rules out its row, column, color and neighbors automatically. That keeps the board honest and lets you see the next forced move sooner. Dragging across a line to paint X marks is the fastest way to record what you have worked out by hand.

7. When stuck, scan in a fixed order

Go through the colors from smallest to largest, then the rows from top to bottom, then the columns. Ask one question each time: "how many open cells are left here?" A count of one is an owl. A count of two or three is worth a closer look with tips 2 to 5.

Getting three stars

Three stars need a solve with no mistakes and no hints. A wrong owl is counted the moment it lands, and undoing it does not take the mistake back. So:

• Rule cells out first and place an owl only when you can say why it must be there.
• Use the X side of the toolbar switch while you are thinking. It is harder to drop an owl by accident.
• Save your one free daily hint for the late-week boards, which are larger and harder.

Practice on the ladder

The endless ladder starts with small 6 by 6 boards where these patterns are easy to spot, and works up to 11 by 11. A few levels a day is the quickest way to make the bigger daily puzzles at the weekend feel comfortable.

Play Roost Rows now, or see what else One Thumb Games makes.