How to play
- Goal
- Draw two perpendicular arms from each corner whose lengths add to its number, matching the free-endpoint margins.
- How it ends
- Complete every corner and endpoint count without shapes sharing a cell; unused points are allowed and mistakes can always be undone.
- Record
- The fastest first unaided solve of each chart is recorded.
- Select a numbered corner, then tap an endpoint in its row and another in its column. Each arm must have positive length and remain straight.
- Add the unit links in both arms to match the corner number. The corner cell itself is excluded: two links and one link make a clue of three.
- Each margin number counts free endpoints anywhere in its row or column. Ringed tips count; numbered corners and passing lines do not.
- A dash leaves that margin unrestricted. Zero forbids free endpoints in that row or column, while allowing a line to pass through.
- Different shapes cannot share any cell, including their endpoints; side adjacency and unused cells are allowed. Adjusting an endpoint replaces only that arm.
- Clear removes one shape. At an overlap, select its corner first so Clear has one owner. Undo and Redo reverse an action. Restart retains the first clock; completed charts reopen as Practice.
Controls
| Tap corner, then straight endpoint | Select a shape and set one of its arms |
|---|---|
| Arrows + Enter / Space | Move the focus and select a corner or endpoint |
| Clear / Delete / Backspace | Remove the selected shape |
| Z / Y / R | Undo / Redo / open Restart confirmation |
| Pan / P | Move a large chart without editing |
| Whole chart | View all arms and endpoint margins from the chart menu |
| Escape | Cancel selection, close a dialog or return to the atlas |
| Controller | D-pad move; A select; X clear; Y Undo; shoulders cycle corners; B back; Start menu |
Tips for Elbow Room
- Use the border Corners at the edge have fewer possible arm directions.
- Separate length from endpoints A long passing arm adds no free endpoint to intermediate rows or columns.
- Check where tips can land A zero margin rules out an endpoint without ruling out the line itself.
Questions about this game
Do arm lengths multiply?
No. Elbow Room adds the two arm lengths.
Does every cell need a line?
No. Unused cells are allowed.
Does a zero forbid passing lines?
No. It forbids free endpoints there. A line may pass through the row or column.
Does a numbered corner count in the margins?
No. Only the two other ends of each L count.
Can shapes cross or share an endpoint?
No. Different shapes cannot share a cell. Side adjacency is allowed.
Does Restart reset my clock?
No. Restart keeps the first clock running. Practice preserves the first finish.
Arm endpoints and Undo save in this browser. The first clock starts when a chart is selected and never pauses. Reloaded attempts stay local; Practice preserves the first finish.
Watch how to play
About Elbow Room
Draw a separate L from every numbered corner. Add its two straight arm lengths, then match the row and column counts of free endpoints.
All 96 charts and worked diagrams are original. Four open shelves contain 24 charts each at 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 and 7×7.
