Futoshiki is a logic puzzle game that originated from Japan. The game is played on a grid with 25 small boxes and the objective of the game is to try and place the numbers 1 to 5 in such a way that each row and column contains only one of each number is on every row and column. There are only a few numbers in the start of the game, but you must try and fill the rest. Between the boxes, there are greater than/less than symbols that tell a number’s neighbouring number is larger or smaller, for instance, if there is a 4 with a greater than symbol pointing away from the 4, the number next to it must be 5 as it is the only number larger than 4 that you can use. This works with the less than also, so if there is a 2 in a box, and next to it there is a less than symbol pointing away form the two, then it must be 1 as it is the only number smaller than 2 that you can use. Futoshiki is an extremely fun puzzle game to play.
You can either copy the Futoshiki that I have made and try to solve it yourself or you can make one for your family and friends.

Step 1: The Grid

The first step is to make the grid. You have to make 25 small boxes that are 1cm tall and 1 cm wide. You must draw them in such a way that there are 5 columns and 5 rows as to fit the numbers 1 - 5.

Step 2: The Numbers

The next step is to write down the numbers for the Futoshiki. While writing down the numbers, it it very important to note that every row and column must contain one of every number, and cannot have two of the same number. Once you have written down the numbers properly, you can draw the greater than/less than symbols.You must draw them in the space between the boxes. There can be as many as you wish, but I would recommend you use 2 to 10 symbols as not to make it too easy or too hard.

Step 3: Finishing the Futoshiki

Now you must erase most of the numbers that you have written. It is best to leave 4 to 8 numbers left, and it will be easier if you leave numbers that are on one end of a greater than/less than symbol. If some numbers are still slightly visible even after you have erased them, you can use a whitener over them. You can show this to your relatives and they can try and make a Futoshiki for you to solve.

Good Luck!