Game guide · 4008007786
Water Jug Puzzle: rules and examples
Check the rule below as you play. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A pour stops when the source is empty or the destination is full. It cannot stop at an arbitrary amount. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Understand the aim
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Step by step
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Check the rule below as you play. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See the idea in action
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Pay attention to this rule
Take a moment to check the current turn. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. No download or player account is required.
During a round, 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.
On this page, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. You can start a new round from the game controls.
