Game guide · DTJSMODEL
The Water Jug Puzzle playbook
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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
Check the rule below as you play. A pour stops when the source is empty or the destination is full. It cannot stop at an arbitrary amount.
The challenge in front of you
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Take a moment to check the current turn. Use Fill A, Fill B, Empty A, Empty B, Pour A → B and Pour B → A. The display shows current and maximum litres.
An example to follow
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Notice this detail
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Helpful answers for players
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, where must the target volume end up?
In either jug. The other jug may contain any legal amount. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.