Pearl Path Solver
place pearls · solve the loop

Pearl Path Solver — Step-by-Step Loop Solution

Mode:

How to use the Pearl Path Solver

Select White (○) or Black (●) mode, then click cells on the grid to place pearls. Click an existing pearl to cycle through states (white → black → empty). Once all pearls are placed, click Solve.

The solver uses constraint propagation — the same logic a human solver applies: at each pearl, the two possible entry/exit directions are restricted by the pearl rules, and those restrictions propagate along the loop. Backtracking resolves any remaining ambiguity.

White pearl ○: loop goes straight through, must turn in an adjacent cell.
Black pearl ●: loop turns here, must go straight through both adjacent cells.

Solution Steps
Place pearls then click Solve.
Pearl Legend
○ White — straight through, turn adjacent
● Black — turn here, straight beyond
Click cell to cycle: empty → white → black → empty

Pearl Path Solver: rules, how to use it, tips

Draw one closed loop through every pearl: straight through white pearls, turning on black ones.

The rules

  1. Draw a single closed loop through the centres of cells, moving horizontally and vertically. It may not cross or touch itself.
  2. The loop must pass through every pearl.
  3. White pearl ○: the loop goes straight through, and turns in at least one of the cells just before or after.
  4. Black pearl ●: the loop turns at the pearl, and goes straight for at least one more cell in both directions.
  5. Cells without pearls may be visited or left empty.

Using the solver

  1. Pick White or Black and click cells to place pearls; click a pearl to cycle it (white → black → empty).
  2. Press Solve: the solver applies the pearl rules, extends the forced segments and finishes with backtracking.

Tips

The full guide, with a worked example and common mistakes: How to play Pearl Path.

Questions

Is Pearl Path the same as Masyu?

Yes — the same rules. Pearl Path is this site's name for it.

How do I draw in the game?

Click and drag between cells to draw loop segments; drag again to remove one.

Can I solve a puzzle from a book?

Place the pearls in the Pearl Path Solver (white, black, erase) and click Solve.

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