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	what are nonograms? nonograms (aka picross aka griddlers aka pic-a-pix) are logic number puzzles. a grid of squares is laid out with numbers on the columns and rows that indicates how many contiguous blocks of filled in squares are in each line. you use logic to solve the puzzle based on the ordering of the numbers. often these puzzles create pictures, though they can be abstract too. if you've ever played sudoku, this is a similar style of logical puzzle play.
why do you like them? i really love a puzzle that can be figured out by just applying a set of logical rules. i used to be addicted to sudoku pretty exclusively, then i stumbled across nonograms and i was immediately hooked. i started playing the game and over time, i figured out the rules and logic of the puzzles on my own, which was a gratifying process. i consider myself something of an expert at them now, though really big puzzles can still throw me for a loop sometimes! i find it relaxing to just unplug my brain and focus on the logic of each grid laid out before me. and especially if it is a large or difficult game, i feel a huge sense of accomplishment when i solve it. for info on solving nonograms, this fan wiki goes pretty indepth about it.
	where can i play? there are an endless number of nonogram apps and websites out there to choose from! but i'll share my favorite. mobile app: Simon Tatham's Puzzles (Google Play) this app contains dozens of all sorts of logic puzzle games in a similar vein, but the one i play most is the nonograms (in this app it is called Pattern). i really like this app for a couple reasons. one: no ads, never, ever. two: simple interface, easy to understand and play. three: customizable grid size; you can do one of the pre-selected sizes or just make your own weirdo size (as long as it's rectangular). and most importantly, four: the nonograms are generated algorithimically so no two puzzles are alike. that means there is no picture to solve, but honestly, i prefer it that way. the pictures are fine but it almost makes it too easy because i can start to guess the solution just on the developing image. these nonograms are completely random numbers so you can never just guess what the end image should be. website: Pattern - from Simon Tatham's Portable Puzzle Collection this website is essentially the same game as in the app. again, straightforward, to the point, simple and easy to use. random grid generation, and customizable! additional website: nonograms.org this website features photo nonogram puzzles, in both black and white and color. it's a simple to use website, and once in a while i like doing a color puzzle as i think the color adds some pizzazz to the gameplay. i mostly stick to my Simon Tatham app/site, but for the rare occasion i stray, this is the website i'll play on. i think this site is easy to use and has fairly unobstrusive ads. but if you use adblock it takes care of them quite well!