About 8×8 Masyu
A 8×8 Masyu grid has 64 cells. Your goal is the same at every size: draw a single closed loop through the centres of cells so that it passes through every pearl. Black pearls are corners with straight legs; white pearls are straight segments with a turn next to them. 8×8 boards are recommended for new players who have finished a few 6×6 boards and want a longer chain of deductions.
| Difficulty | Puzzles | Average pearls | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 150 | 20 | 3–6 min |
| Medium | 150 | 16 | 5–10 min |
| Hard | 150 | 15 | 8–15 min |
Fewer pearls usually means a harder puzzle: there are fewer starting points, and more of the loop has to be deduced from global rules. Times are a rough guide for an experienced solver.
Tips for 8×8 boards
- Look for two black pearls side by side: both must send their lines away from each other.
- Three white pearls in a row along a line force parallel lines through all three — a very common 8×8 opener.
- Use ✕ marks generously; on 8×8 most cells the loop avoids can be proven early.
New to these patterns? Read our Masyu strategy guide with 14 illustrated techniques, or go back to basics with how to play Masyu.