How to play
- Goal
- Draw one non-crossing loop through every circle, with equal arms at white circles, unequal arms at black circles, and any number equal to the two arm lengths added together.
- How it ends
- A chart finishes when the single loop and every circle agree; Undo and Erase repair mistakes, so there is no loss state.
- Record
- The fastest uninterrupted first solve of each chart is kept with its holder's name; replay is practice.
- Draw one closed, non-crossing loop with horizontal and vertical links between neighbouring centres. Visit every circle; blank centres are optional. No branches or separate loops.
- At each circle, measure both arms until their first actual turn. Count links, including the link reaching that turn. Continue through other circles. White arms are equal; black arms differ. A printed number is their sum. Circles may turn or go straight.
- Tap an edge to draw. Drag a route, or select neighbouring centres and press Draw. Cross notes are optional; Undo and Erase repair mistakes.
- Choose Pan to move a large chart without changing ink, including after completion.
- Restart preserves the first clock. Reload preserves marks and Undo; resumed finishes stay local. Replay is practice.
Controls
| Mouse / touch | Tap edges, drag routes, or select neighbouring centres and press Draw |
|---|---|
| Arrows / Shift + arrows | Move between centres / extend a route |
| Enter / Space | Select a centre |
| L / C / E | Line / Cross note / Erase |
| P | Draw the selected route |
| Pan | Drag the view without changing ink |
| Z / Y | Undo / Redo |
| R | Restart confirmation |
| Controller | D-pad moves; A selects; Y draws; X erases; shoulders Undo/Redo; B returns; Start settings. |
Tips for Balance Loop
- Find the actual turn An arm continues through a straight circle; measure until the path really bends.
- Add both arms White four needs two links in each arm. Black five needs two different lengths adding to five.
- Keep one loop Closing a small loop early is wrong if another circle remains outside.
Questions about this game
Must every centre be visited?
Only circles must be visited. Blank centres may stay unused.
Must white circles go straight?
No. Either colour may turn or go straight; the rule compares arm lengths.
Does a circle stop an arm?
No. Continue through circles until the first actual turn.
Can replay improve my first time?
No. Your first finish stays unchanged; replay is practice.
All charts are open. Cross notes are optional. Reload retains marks, Undo and the clock; resumed finishes stay local. Practice preserves your first time.
Watch how to play
About Balance Loop
Trace an instrumentmaker’s chart in bronze, ivory and indigo. Every circle belongs to one loop; empty centres may remain unused.
All 160 original charts are open: sixteen at 4×4 and forty-eight each at 5×5, 6×6 and 7×7. Each has one independently verified ending and a complete deduction path.
An uninterrupted verified first solve can claim the named fastest time. Replay preserves your first finish.
