Patches #76 Hints & Answer

Here is the full answer to Patches puzzle #76. You fill every cell with rectangles, each holding exactly one clue. The solve falls into 9 stages — start from the clues whose size and shape leave only one option, then chain the deductions.

Step-by-step solution

1. Step 1

   The square clue at row 6, col 4 can only be filled one way: a rectangle of area 1 that matches its proportions. Place it now — once it is down, the cells beside it stop being ambiguous.

2. Step 2

   Work the square clue around row 6, col 5. With 1 cells to cover and a fixed shape, only one rectangle fits without overlapping a neighbour. Commit to it and the board tightens.

3. Step 3

   Look at the tall clue near row 3, col 3. Its number 2 fixes the rectangle’s area, so draw the block that covers exactly 2 cells around it without touching another clue. Lock it in before moving on.

4. Step 4

   The square clue at row 3, col 1 can only be filled one way: a rectangle of area 4 that matches its proportions. Place it now — once it is down, the cells beside it stop being ambiguous.

5. Step 5

   Work the tall clue around row 4, col 5. With 4 cells to cover and a fixed shape, only one rectangle fits without overlapping a neighbour. Commit to it and the board tightens.

6. Step 6

   Look at the tall clue near row 5, col 4. Its number 4 fixes the rectangle’s area, so draw the block that covers exactly 4 cells around it without touching another clue. Lock it in before moving on.

7. Step 7

   The wide clue at row 1, col 5 can only be filled one way: a rectangle of area 6 that matches its proportions. Place it now — once it is down, the cells beside it stop being ambiguous.

8. Step 8

   Work the tall clue around row 2, col 6. With 5 cells to cover and a fixed shape, only one rectangle fits without overlapping a neighbour. Commit to it and the board tightens.

9. Step 9

   Look at the square clue near row 4, col 3. Its number 9 fixes the rectangle’s area, so draw the block that covers exactly 9 cells around it without touching another clue. Lock it in before moving on.