Nonogram Runs
📋 What it is
In a nonogram, the numbers tell you the lengths of the filled runs in each row and column.
🗣️ Coach says
A nonogram hides a picture in numbers. "5" means a run of 5 filled squares in a row. Start with the biggest runs — they have the least wiggle room, so they’re easiest to place.
🧠 Memory hook
Big runs first — they barely fit, so they barely move.
😂 Giggle
Why did the process of elimination feel unstoppable?
Because ruling things out is ruling things in!
😲 Whoa!
A clue of "8" in a row of 10 squares can only slide 2 spaces — so the middle 6 squares are ALWAYS filled. That trick cracks nonograms.
✅ Quick check: A row of 10 has the single clue "8". Which squares must be filled no matter what?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
The middle 6 — the run can start at square 1 or 3, and squares 3–8 are filled in both cases.
When a run nearly fills the line, its overlap in every position is guaranteed filled.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Draw a 5×5 grid and colour a simple shape (a heart, a plus). Write the run-numbers for each row. That’s a nonogram you just made!