Basic Tapa rules apply:
Empty cells can be filled to form a connected black region.
No 2x2 area can be entirely filled with black cells.
Clue cells with numbers cannot be filled in and represent the length of each consecutive black cell block in the eight surrounding cells.
If a clue cell has multiple digits, the groups of black cells must be separated by at least one white cell.
Question marks (?) can be used instead of clue numbers and represent any non-zero integer.
Additional Equal Tapa rule:
The number of white cells (excluding clue cells) must be equal to the number of black cells.
Equal Tapa puzzles require logical reasoning to fill in the cells gradually. Analyze number clues, combine them with the "no 2x2 black area" and multiple-number separation rules, and determine the placement of black and white cells step by step. With more spaces filled, more information can be gathered for further deduction, ultimately leading to the solution of the puzzle.
The number of white cells (excluding clue cells) must be equal to the number of black cells.