Game guide · XDSTMALL
Water Jug Puzzle: from controls to your first 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. 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.
A focus for your next round
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Your goal
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.
How to use the controls
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A closer look at one example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
An important reminder
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Clarifying the way this game works
What is the aim of Water Jug Puzzle?
Measure the target number of litres using two unmarked jugs and only filling, emptying and pouring. A new round resets the current 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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.
Which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot measure a partial fill directly. Only the allowed actions can create a quantity. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, 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.
Can I stop a pour halfway?
No. The source must empty or the destination must fill. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Why is an action disabled?
It would not change the current jug contents, such as filling a full jug. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many puzzles are included?
Six capacity-and-target combinations are selectable on the board. The instructions above use these same rules.
