Use every number once
Fill each row and column with 1–4 on a four-by-four board, or 1–5 on a five-by-five board. A number cannot repeat in the same row or column. The starting digits are fixed.
Futoshiki
Getting your game ready…
How to play
Read the open side
A sign between neighbouring cells compares their values. Its open side faces the larger number; its pointed end faces the smaller. The relation is strict, so equal values never satisfy the sign. Vertical comparisons work the same way as horizontal ones.
Try a candidate carefully
Select a free cell and enter a number, or use arrows and number keys. Notes or N toggles possibilities on empty cells. Delete, Backspace or 0 clears the answer and notes; Z undoes a change. Finish only when the number-placement and comparison rules all fit.
Strategy
Follow a chain of signs
Several increasing cells in a row need several different values. In a four-number puzzle, a chain of four fixes their order completely. A shorter chain still rules out values too small or too large for its position.
Cross the two kinds of clue
A comparison may leave two possibilities until a row or column removes one. Write the remaining candidates rather than guessing a value just because it fits one sign. Keep checking the signs above and below your cell too.
About the game
Numbers in relation
These six authored puzzles add neighbouring comparisons to a familiar number grid. There are no cage totals to calculate: the extra information says which value is larger. Four-by-four boards introduce the rule before two harder five-by-five layouts. Completed puzzles and the last selection are remembered; reopening shows that board fresh. A solved board remains visible until Undo, Restart or your next puzzle choice.