Game guide · PYZSB
Water Jug Puzzle: learn through an example
Check the rule below as you play. 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. Choose one of six capacity-and-target puzzles. Both jugs begin empty. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Six verified solvable capacity puzzles, with undo and move count. These are six levels of one game, not six separate games.
Take a closer look while playing
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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 purpose of your moves
Read the position before choosing your next 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.
Start here and follow along
- 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
One way to understand the rules
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Notice this detail
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Common questions
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
During a round, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
When I start, 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
When I start, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The instructions above use these same rules.