Patches #38 Hints & Answer

Here is the full answer to Patches puzzle #38. You fill every cell with rectangles, each holding exactly one clue. The solve falls into 6 stages — start from the clues whose size and shape leave only one option, then chain the deductions.

Step-by-step solution

1. Step 1

   Work the square clue around row 6, col 1. With 1 cells to cover and a fixed shape, only one rectangle fits without overlapping a neighbour. Commit to it and the board tightens.

2. Step 2

   Look at the tall clue near row 3, col 6. Its number 6 fixes the rectangle’s area, so draw the block that covers exactly 6 cells around it without touching another clue. Lock it in before moving on.

3. Step 3

   The tall clue at row 4, col 4 can only be filled one way: a rectangle of area 20 that matches its proportions. Place it now — once it is down, the cells beside it stop being ambiguous.

4. Step 4

   Work the square clue around row 2, col 1. With 1 cells to cover and a fixed shape, only one rectangle fits without overlapping a neighbour. Commit to it and the board tightens.

5. Step 5

   Look at the tall clue near row 3, col 1. Its number 3 fixes the rectangle’s area, so draw the block that covers exactly 3 cells around it without touching another clue. Lock it in before moving on.

6. Step 6

   Finally resolve the dashed any-shape clue near row 1, col 5. Its rectangle can be any proportion, so fill it last — the surrounding blocks now leave only one valid placement that covers every remaining cell.