One Line Puzzles around Missing Squares
An interior missing square changes how a continuous line can move between nearby areas. These boards are selected from their actual layouts: each has at least one inactive square strictly inside the occupied area's bounding rectangle. Gaps cannot be crossed and are not part of the fill target.
A practical way to approach these boards
Follow the edges around a gap before drawing. Look for one-square-wide links between areas, then decide which area must be filled first. Closing both sides of a gap can leave an unfilled region cut off from the head, even when the head still has a legal move.
Rules for every board
Move orthogonally from the circle, cover all active squares, and reach the diamond last. Backtracking and retries are free. When browser storage is available, the board below each level introduction shares saved progress with the trial.
Keep both sides connected22 active squares · 21 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 05
Leave a way back26 active squares · 25 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 06
Two ways across28 active squares · 27 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 07
A narrow return28 active squares · 27 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 08
Keep the bridge open28 active squares · 27 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 09
Across the gap28 active squares · 27 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 10
One last connection28 active squares · 27 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 11
Thread the middle32 active squares · 31 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 12
Three open corners32 active squares · 31 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 13
Protect the crossing32 active squares · 31 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 14
Turn before the pocket32 active squares · 31 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 15
Room to return32 active squares · 31 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 16
Side by side34 active squares · 33 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 17
A winding passage34 active squares · 33 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 18
Save the inner turn34 active squares · 33 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 19
Through both halves34 active squares · 33 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 20
Leave the gate open34 active squares · 33 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 21
A wider crossing38 active squares · 37 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 22
Loops and links38 active squares · 37 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 23
Reach the far corner38 active squares · 37 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 24
Before the last turn38 active squares · 37 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 25
A path between rooms38 active squares · 37 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 26
Plan the return40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 27
Across the whole board40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 28
The remaining pocket40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 29
Hold the connection40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 30
One continuous journey40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 31
Between the pockets40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 32
A crossing to keep40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 33
Both sides of the gap40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 34
Return through the middle40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 35
One open passage40 active squares · 39 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 36
Seven missing squares42 active squares · 41 verified moves · 7 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 37
Connections through the middle42 active squares · 41 verified moves · 7 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 38
The inner connection42 active squares · 41 verified moves · 7 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 39
Keep room to turn42 active squares · 41 verified moves · 7 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 40
Links across the board42 active squares · 41 verified moves · 7 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 41
The far-side pocket44 active squares · 43 verified moves · 5 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 42
Thread two openings44 active squares · 43 verified moves · 5 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 43
Across the broken grid44 active squares · 43 verified moves · 5 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 44
A careful crossing44 active squares · 43 verified moves · 5 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 45
The last open corner44 active squares · 43 verified moves · 5 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 46
Space for a return46 active squares · 45 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 47
The winding center46 active squares · 45 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 48
Before the final stretch46 active squares · 45 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 49
A narrow connection46 active squares · 45 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 50
The other side46 active squares · 45 verified moves · 3 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 51
Eight islands48 active squares · 47 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 52
Connect the outer rooms48 active squares · 47 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 53
A turn between gaps48 active squares · 47 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 54
Keep a way through48 active squares · 47 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 55
Keep the regions connected48 active squares · 47 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 56
Across the whole canvas50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 57
A path around six gaps50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 58
Hold the middle open50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 59
Leave no pocket behind50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 60
One line to the finish50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 61
Across both open edges50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 62
Leave the middle connected50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 63
An exit for each pocket50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 64
Around the broken border50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 65
Meet at the inner turn50 active squares · 49 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 66
Three links to preserve52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 67
Return beside the diamond52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 68
The long outside passage52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 69
Separate paths to connect52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 70
One link still open52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 71
Across the narrow middle54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 72
Connections across the open regions54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 73
Keep the far edge free54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 2 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 74
Keep the inner crossings open54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 76
Eight rows to connect52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 77
A passage between islands52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 78
Both sides need an exit52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 79
Return through the open gap52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 80
Protect the central link52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 81
A route across the gaps54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 82
Leave a way around54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 83
The inner edge first54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 84
Follow the open border54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 85
A link to the far side54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 86
Across the widest board56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 87
Thread the last passages56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 88
Keep the diamond reachable56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 89
The final pocket to fill56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 90
One continuous return56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 91
Read the scattered spaces52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 92
Keep two passages open52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 93
Across the upper pocket52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 94
A link around the centre52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 95
Return beside the outer gap52 active squares · 51 verified moves · 12 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 96
An exit from each side54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 97
Join the divided edges54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 98
Through the middle passage54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 99
Leave the corner connected54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 100
Past the narrow opening54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 101
Weave around both spaces56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 102
The far edge still waits56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 103
An unfinished inner turn56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 104
Across the quiet border56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 105
Connect the remaining sides56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 106
A different way around54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 107
Two pockets to revisit54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 108
Cross the open centre54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 109
Keep the lower passage54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 110
Return across the upper edge54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 111
The route between gaps56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 112
Leave the inner door open56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 113
One more region to join56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 114
Around the final bend56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 115
Both edges need a link56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 116
Read the widest shape58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 117
An exit beyond the corner58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 118
Thread the outer connections58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 119
Keep one passage for last58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 120
A fourth continuous journey58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 121
Leave the inner passage54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 122
An open way to the centre54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 123
Return around the side pocket54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 124
The border still connects54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 125
Keep the inner square reachable54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 126
Between three open regions56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 127
Read the edge before crossing56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 128
A passage beneath the gap56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 129
Join the two far corners56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 130
Return through the middle56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 131
Along the wider border58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 132
Leave room for the last turn58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 133
Connect the farthest pocket58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 134
The open edge comes later58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 135
One region at a time58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 136
A new order through the gaps54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 137
Keep the short link open54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 138
Across the split middle54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 139
Return beside the narrow edge54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 140
The pocket beyond the bend54 active squares · 53 verified moves · 10 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 141
A path around the empty centre56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 142
Join both sides before leaving56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 143
Save the inner passage56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 144
The far corner needs a return56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 145
Connect the lower edge last56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 146
Through the final open regions58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 147
A return beside the diamond58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 148
Leave the last connection free58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 149
The fifth round takes shape58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 150
One line through every region58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 151
Keep the upper passage connected56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 152
A return around the small gap56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 153
The side region waits56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 154
Across the open square56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 155
Bring the edges together56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 156
Between the inward turns58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 157
Keep a route to the far side58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 158
The pocket beside the circle58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 159
Link the upper and lower regions58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 160
A passage through the centre58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 161
Read the nearly full board60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 162
An opening around four gaps60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 163
Leave the corner connected60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 164
The long way to the diamond60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 165
Return before closing the edge60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 166
New gaps along the border56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 167
Keep both exits available56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 168
Through the opposite region56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 169
Around the interrupted middle56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 170
The outer connection remains56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 171
Connect the narrow regions58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 172
A turn beside the last pocket58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 173
Leave a link across the board58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 174
The centre connects both sides58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 175
Reach the far edge and return58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 176
Across the final four gaps60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 177
Keep the inward passage open60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 178
One last return to the border60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 179
The sixth round comes together60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 180
Every region in one line60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 181
A new order through the open board58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 182
Keep a way around the inner gap58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 183
The far region stays connected58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 184
Join the borders before the finish58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 185
Return between the open edges58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 186
Read the breaks in the grid56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 187
Leave both regions reachable56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 188
Across the border and back56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 189
Keep the small pocket open56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 190
A route between the gaps56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 191
Four gaps and a longer line60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 192
Connect the nearly full square60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 193
A turn before the final region60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 194
Leave space for the return60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 195
Bring the last regions together60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 196
Around a different centre58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 197
The open side needs a return58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 198
Keep the distant edge reachable58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 199
Across the middle connection58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 200
A passage for the remaining squares58 active squares · 57 verified moves · 6 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 201
Between the interrupted rows56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 202
The next region can wait56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 203
Keep a link beside the gap56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 204
A return through the outer region56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 205
Connect the two sides in order56 active squares · 55 verified moves · 8 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 206
One line around the last gaps60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 207
The far border comes next60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 208
Return through the open middle60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 209
The seventh round connects60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →LEVEL 210
All regions on a single line60 active squares · 59 verified moves · 4 gaps inside occupied bounds
Play level →Questions about these puzzles
Do I need to cover the grey squares?
No. Only active white squares count. Inactive squares are obstacles and cannot be entered.
Are these boards selected just because they appear later?
No. Membership is computed from each board's active-cell coordinates and the existence of an interior missing square.
Can I cross my line to reach the other side?
No. Each active square is visited once in a completed route. Only immediate reverse tracing is allowed, so older visited squares cannot be crossed.