Getting the Most from X Marks

Mark the cells that stay empty to sharpen the logic.

A nonogram is a game of finding the cells to fill and, at the same time, of picking out the cells that stay empty. Blocking off cells no block can reach and the separating gaps between blocks with an X makes the remaining logic far clearer.

Once you confirm one block, the cells on either side of it often become empty to separate it from other blocks. Marking these with an X right away reveals the positions of neighboring blocks.

The segments split by X marks narrow down which clue blocks can fit where. The habit of diligently placing X marks makes an especially big difference on large puzzles.