1. Read the scene
Every board has rows, columns, named areas, terrain, objects, walls, and windows. The legend tells you what can be occupied. Decorative marks never carry hidden logic.
2. Place one person at a time
Select a person, then select an eligible cell. A person occupies one cell. No two people may occupy the same row or column, but rows and columns may remain empty.
3. Interpret relationships literally
“Beside” means one cell north, south, east, or west, with no blocking wall between the cells. Diagonal and anywhere-direction clues say so explicitly.
4. Keep notes
Possible and eliminated marks belong to the selected person. They are your notes, not assumptions used by the solver.
5. Ask for the right amount of help
The first hint points to useful evidence. The second states the deduction. The third reveals one placement and explains why.
6. Prove the objective
Once everyone is placed, answer the case question. A completed case includes a step-by-step reconstruction.