How to play Star Battle › Techniques
Confinement
Confinement applies when some regions fit entirely inside the same number of rows (or columns). Two regions inside two rows need both of those rows' stars, so no other cell in those rows can hold a star; dot them all. It also works in reverse: two rows whose open cells lie in just two regions.
How to use it
- Look for two regions whose open cells all sit within the same two rows (or columns).
- Those two rows have exactly two stars between them, and the two regions need exactly two.
- So every other open cell in those two rows can be dotted.
- On hard grids, look for three regions in three rows, or rows confined to regions.
Worked example (6×6)
Highlighted: the cells the deduction looks at. Dots mean "no star here".
The red region and the orange region sit entirely inside row 1 and row 2. Those rows hold exactly 2 stars and these regions need all of them, so every other open cell in row 1 and row 2 is dotted (circled).
From a real Solvedle puzzle. Needed in medium and hard puzzles.
Practise on unlimited puzzles →
FAQ
How do I spot confinement quickly?
Look for regions that are short and wide (or tall and thin). Two regions that both live in the top two rows are the classic pattern.
What is the difference between medium and hard puzzles?
In Solvedle, medium puzzles need two-region confinement once or twice; hard puzzles need it repeatedly or with three regions at once.