Setup and opening position
Exactly three atoms occupy distinct hidden cells. Sixteen perimeter ray results are calculated deterministically, and the generator keeps only a signature with one possible atom set.
Black Box Puzzle
Mark precisely the three cells whose atom placement reproduces every recorded perimeter ray result.
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How to play
Mark precisely the three cells whose atom placement reproduces every recorded perimeter ray result.
- Exactly three atoms occupy distinct hidden cells. Sixteen perimeter ray results are calculated deterministically, and the generator keeps only a signature with one possible atom set.
- Toggle an atom marker in any of the sixteen cells. Marks are hypotheses and may be removed again; ray evidence remains fixed throughout the deduction.
- Mark precisely the three cells whose atom placement reproduces every recorded perimeter ray result.
Strategy tips
- Start from immediate hits and reflections, then combine paired entry and exit evidence to distinguish a direct atom from a diagonal atom that bends the ray.
- A ray can change direction before leaving the box, so assuming its exit lies directly opposite its entry ignores deflections and creates contradictory marks.
- With two atoms located, test each remaining candidate cell against the full ray signature instead of one convenient ray; only one three-atom combination is accepted.
Complete guide
Rules, scoring, and strategy
Black Box Puzzle is a complete browser implementation with its own versioned rules profile. Locate three hidden atoms in a four-by-four box by interpreting perimeter rays that hit, reflect, deflect, or exit according to nearby atomic positions.
Legal moves and game flow
Toggle an atom marker in any of the sixteen cells. Marks are hypotheses and may be removed again; ray evidence remains fixed throughout the deduction.
Winning and terminal positions
Mark precisely the three cells whose atom placement reproduces every recorded perimeter ray result. With two atoms located, test each remaining candidate cell against the full ray signature instead of one convenient ray; only one three-atom combination is accepted.
Practical strategy
Start from immediate hits and reflections, then combine paired entry and exit evidence to distinguish a direct atom from a diagonal atom that bends the ray. A ray can change direction before leaving the box, so assuming its exit lies directly opposite its entry ignores deflections and creates contradictory marks.
Questions players ask
What is the objective in Black Box Puzzle?
Mark precisely the three cells whose atom placement reproduces every recorded perimeter ray result.
Which moves are legal in Black Box Puzzle?
Toggle an atom marker in any of the sixteen cells. Marks are hypotheses and may be removed again; ray evidence remains fixed throughout the deduction.
What should I plan first in Black Box Puzzle?
Start from immediate hits and reflections, then combine paired entry and exit evidence to distinguish a direct atom from a diagonal atom that bends the ray.