How to Make a Lights-Out Pattern

Lights out is a strategy game that can be solved by using a method known as the chasing lights pattern.

Lights Out is a strategy game that, in classic versions, involves a five by five grid of lighted cells. Some lights are turned off while others are turned on. The goal of the puzzle is to turn all of the lights off in the fewest amount of moves. This is achieved by clicking on each light, which turns off that individual light cell and the four cells with immediate sides touching. The simplest and most commonly used method to solve the Lights Out puzzle is known as the chasing lights pattern.

Instructions

Chasing the Lights

1. Start with the second row of lights from the bottom of the game board. Click on every cell that has a light turned on in the row above.

2. Continue with the third row, clicking on every light that is turned on in the fourth row. Continue with the fourth row, clicking on every light that is turned on in the fifth row.

3. The only lights remaining on should be those in the bottom row. Solve the bottom row of lights depending on the pattern displayed.

Solving the Bottom Row

1. Click on the fourth light in the bottom row if only the last three lights in the row are turned on. Click on the second and last light in the row if only the second and fourth lights in the row are turned on. Click on the first light in the row if the second, third, and fourth light in the row are turned on.

2. Click on the fourth and fifth light in the row if the first and last light in the bottom row are turned on. Click on the last light if the first, third, and fourth light in the bottom row are turned on.

3. Click on the third light in the bottom row if all lights except for the middle light are turned on. Click on the second light in the bottom row if the first three lights in the row are turned on. All lights should be turned off after completion.

References

• Logicgamesonline.com: Lights Out Tutorial
• Jaaps Puzzle Page: Lights Out