How to solve Tango
Tango strategy: how to solve any puzzle
Most Tango puzzles fall to four moves used again and again. Learn to spot them in this order and you will rarely get stuck. The highlighted cells in each example are the ones the move fills.
Doubles: close both ends of a pair
When two equal symbols sit side by side, the cells on both ends must be the other symbol. Otherwise you would have three in a row. This is the fastest move in Tango, so scan every row and column for pairs first.
Gaps: fill the cell between two matches
If two equal symbols have one empty cell between them, that middle cell must be the opposite symbol. Sun, gap, sun means the gap is a moon.
Counting: finish a line that has three of one symbol
Once a row or column holds three suns, every empty cell left in it must be a moon, and the other way around. Count each line whenever you place a symbol.
Chains: follow = and × clues from a known cell
Start at a filled cell and walk along the clues. = copies the symbol and × flips it. One known cell can solve a whole chain, and the new cells often open doubles and counting moves.
- = copies the sun, so cell 2 is a sun.
- × flips it, so cell 3 is a moon.
- = copies the moon, so cell 4 is a moon.
- Moon, moon is a double, so cell 5 is a sun.
- The row now has three suns, so cell 6 is a moon.
A simple routine for every puzzle
- Scan for doubles and gaps in every row, then every column.
- Count each line you touched. Finish any line that has three of one symbol.
- Follow = and × chains out from the cells you just filled.
- Repeat. Each new symbol usually opens the next move.
New to the game? Start with the Tango rules. Want practice on paper? Try the printable Tango sheets, or test yourself on a hard unlimited puzzle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first move in a Tango puzzle?
Look for doubles: two equal symbols next to each other. The cells on both ends must be the other symbol.
How do I get unstuck in Tango?
Count every row and column. A line with three suns must finish with moons. Then follow = and × chains from any filled cell.
Are hard Tango puzzles solvable without guessing?
Yes. Hard puzzles start with fewer clues, but each still has one solution you can reach by logic.
How fast can you solve a Tango puzzle?
Easy puzzles often take under a minute once you know the moves. Hard ones usually take two to five minutes. Your best time for each level is saved on this device.
Do hints affect my best time?
A solve where you used a hint still counts as solved, but it does not set a best time.
What is the best way to practise Tango?
Play the daily puzzle, then a few unlimited ones at the next level up. Printable sheets are good for practice away from a screen.