Game guide · MSFRIES
Water Jug Puzzle: rules and examples
Check the rule below as you play. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Understand the aim
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Using the playing area
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres.
One way to understand the rules
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Pay attention to this rule
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Game-specific help
When I start, 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.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The game is played locally in your browser.
Why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
