Tents – Hard

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Tents ("Tents and Trees") is a logic puzzle invented by Léon Balmaekers (Netherlands). The task is a grid of squares, some of which contain trees. The goal is to place tents in some of the remaining squares, ensuring the following conditions are met:

Basic Rules

• There are exactly as many tents as trees.
• Each tent must be directly adjacent (horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally) to its own tree. However, a tent may be adjacent to other trees as well as its own.
• No two tents can be adjacent horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
• The number of tents in each row and each column matches the numbers given around the sides of the grid.

Additional Rules for Tents and Trees

• Each tent must be adjacent to exactly one tree.
• Tents cannot be placed on the same square as a tree.

Basic Solving Tips

• Start by identifying trees that have limited adjacent squares, as these are likely spots for tents.
• Use the row and column numbers to determine where tents can and cannot be placed.
• Remember that no two tents can touch, so placing one tent will often rule out multiple adjacent squares for other tents.
• Use process of elimination to gradually narrow down the possible locations for each tent.