Pips is a domino logic puzzle. You place a set of dominoes on a board so that every colored region meets its rule. Every domino must be used, and each covers two neighboring squares.
The region rules
- A number: the pips in the region add up to that number.
- =: every square in the region shows the same number.
- ≠: every square in the region shows a different number.
- < or >: the total must be under or over the number shown.
- Squares with no color have no rule.
Solving strategy
- Start with single squares. A one-square region with a number tells you exactly what goes there.
- Check the domino set. If only one domino has a 6, any region that needs a 6 must use it.
- Use the board shape. Squares in narrow corridors can only be covered one way.
- Handle equals regions early. They need several matching numbers, and the domino set often has only a few that work.
- Count the totals. Adding up all the pips in the set and comparing with the region sums can rule out placements quickly.
Our daily Pips hints list each board's rules, show where one domino goes, and then show the fully solved board.
Pips questions
How does Pips work?
You place dominoes on a board so that every colored region meets its rule, such as adding up to a number or having all equal pips. Every domino must be used.
What do the region symbols mean?
A number means the pips in that region add up to it. An equals sign means all pips match, a not-equal sign means they all differ, and less-than or greater-than signs set a limit on the total.
How many puzzles are there each day?
Three: easy, medium and hard. They use different boards and domino sets.
When does the new Pips come out?
A new set of boards appears at midnight local time each day.
Where should I start a Pips board?
Start with the tightest rules: single-cell regions, small sums and regions where only one domino can fit. They usually force the first placements.