Game guide · SXLANJU
Learn your way around Water Jug Puzzle
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Six verified solvable capacity puzzles, with undo and move count. These are six levels of one game, not six separate games.
Practice with a purpose
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
What counts as success
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres.
Follow the example
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.
Where a round can go wrong
Check the rule below as you play. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A few questions answered
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.
During a round, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. A new round resets the current game.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. No download or player account is required.
During a round, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
