Game guide · ZZDXKJ
Water Jug Puzzle: rules and examples
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Build familiarity through play
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A pour stops when the source is empty or the destination is full. It cannot stop at an arbitrary amount. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The objective of a round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The steps to play
- 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
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres.
See the idea in action
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.
One detail worth checking
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Answers about the rules and controls
On this page, what is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
During a round, 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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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.
On this page, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The instructions above use these same rules.
Why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. A new round resets the current game.
How many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The game is played locally in your browser.