How to play Patches
- Split the whole grid into rectangles. No overlaps, no gaps.
- Every rectangle must contain exactly one clue cell.
- A clue's number is the rectangle's area (number of cells). A ? means the area is hidden; you work it out.
- The clue's badge gives the shape: square, wide (wider than tall), tall (taller than wide), any shape.
- Drag from one corner to the opposite corner to draw a rectangle. Tap a rectangle to remove it.
Stuck? Hint shows one step. Reveal shows the whole answer.
A worked example
This 5×5 example has eight clues, so it splits into 8 rectangles. Each clue gives the area and a shape badge ( square, wide, tall, any).
The 8 at row 1, column 1 is marked tall, and only one 4×2 tall rectangle fits there without covering another clue: rows 1–4, columns 1–2. Draw it first.
A rectangle you draw can leave the clues next to it fewer options, and the last piece is simply the space that's left.
Difficulty levels
| Level | Board |
|---|---|
| Easy | 5×5 grid, rectangles up to 8 cells, about 13% of clues hide their size |
| Medium | 6×6 grid, rectangles up to 10 cells, about 23% of clues hide their size |
| Hard | 7×7 grid, rectangles up to 12 cells, about 33% of clues hide their size |
Today's LinkedIn Patches answer
LinkedIn Patches #235, Saturday, November 7, 2026. The answer stays covered until you open it.
Patches tips
- Prime areas (2, 3, 5, 7) can only be 1×n strips: a wide or tall badge tells you which way.
- Corners and edges limit how a rectangle can extend, so start with the numbered clues there.
- A "wide" badge with area 4 must be 1×4; a "square" badge with area 4 must be 2×2.
- Every cell must end up covered. If a cell can only be reached by one clue, that clue's rectangle must include it.
More on the blog
Patches FAQ
Is Patches the same as Shikaku?
Patches is Shikaku with two twists: shape badges (square / wide / tall) and some clues with hidden areas. The base rule (one clue per rectangle, area equals the number) is identical.
Is this the LinkedIn Patches game?
It follows the same rules, with our own boards. LinkedIn publishes one Patches a day; here you get a daily puzzle plus unlimited practice.
Does every puzzle have one solution?
Yes. Every puzzle has exactly one solution.