Game guide · YXZZZ
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. Choose one of six capacity-and-target puzzles. Both jugs begin empty. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Six verified solvable capacity puzzles, with undo and move count. These are six levels of one game, not six separate games.
Try a more deliberate round
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.
The challenge in front of you
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.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Check the rule below as you play. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Work through an example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity.
Common questions
What is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
How many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The game is played locally in your browser.