Game guide · MIBDF
Water Jug Puzzle: instructions and practice
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. 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.
Practice with a purpose
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
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.
How to interact with the game
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
See how the rules apply
Read the position before choosing your next 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful caution
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.
More answers before you play
What is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
Where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The controls work with mouse or touch.