How to Play LinkedIn Patches

The Goal

Fill every cell of an N×N grid with non-overlapping pieces. Each piece contains exactly one clue cell — a numbered square showing how many cells that piece contains.

Solved: two non-overlapping pieces fill the grid. The blue piece has 4 cells, the green piece has 5 cells.

What You're Given

An empty grid with numbered clue cells. Each number equals the total size of the piece containing that cell.

Example: a 3×3 grid. The amber cells are clues — the number shows how many cells that piece contains.

The Rules

Every cell must belong to exactly one piece.
Pieces cannot overlap.
Each piece must contain its clue cell.
There is exactly one valid solution.

Strategy Tips

Start with clue cells in corners or edges — fewer possible placements.
Large pieces constrain small ones. Identify the biggest clue first.
Use process of elimination: if a cell can only belong to one piece, assign it.

Ready to play? Try Patches Unlimited for unlimited puzzles.