Game guide · PULIDXVILLA
Water Jug Puzzle: rules and examples
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.
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
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.
Your objective
Take a moment to check the current turn. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. The game area remains available above the explanation.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Your inputs
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example before you play
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Watch out for this
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Read these answers for extra help
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
When I start, why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. You can start a new round from the game controls.