Atsumari is a game about balance: black tiles vs. white tiles, density vs. space, packing vs. extension, logic vs. intuition. Some puzzles
can be solved effectively by going one tile at a time, using the rules
to gradually determine the solution. Other puzzles may require you to
make an intuitive leap about shapes, packing, and geometry. As you
play the game you will develop your own balance, your own style of play. To learn to play, you should first take a look at the rules if you haven't already. Then follow through the sequence given below for solving a puzzle. Also, you may want to take a look at some more tips for solving Atsumari puzzles.    Rule 1 requires that the 2-hex has another white hex connected to it. BUT, the 2-cluster shown violates Rule 2 (all the black hexes must connect).  So, the 2-cluster has to look like this. (Remember, once a white cluster is complete it must be sealed off with black hexes!)  A lot of the hexes can't be reached by the 3-hex, so they must be black. Also, Rule 3 comes into play here: no black tile can be completely surrounded by black tiles (in other words, a large black hexagon of 7 hexes or "dark hex" is not allowed.) So the 3-hex must reach out to disrupt the "dark hex" forming above the 1-hex.  The 3-cluster disrupts the "dark hex" and then must be sealed off with black hexes. The puzzle is solved! |