Game guide · MXZTJ
Follow the steps for Water Jug Puzzle
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. 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.
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Your goal
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Step by step
- 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.
Input guidance
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
See the idea in action
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A common point of confusion
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Answers about the rules and controls
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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.
During a round, can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The instructions above use these same rules.
Why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. No download or player account is required.
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.