Follow each character’s band instead of cutting both in half
Read the target range above each meter, then trim that character until its remaining-paper percentage sits inside the range. The two characters can have different targets. Do not assume that the title means both bodies must finish at exactly 50%.
Reduce broad excess while the meter is far above the goal. As it approaches the upper end of the target band, make smaller cuts and inspect the number after each one. Stop cutting a character that has reached its required range.
In Half Measures, judge the final overlap by the meter rather than reusing one silhouette.
Read current amount and target range separately
The number beneath the meter is your current remaining paper. The range above it is the allowed target band. Compare those two before deciding whether another cut is needed.
| Meter state | Decision |
|---|---|
| Current percentage is above the target band | Remove more paper from that character |
| Current percentage is inside its band | Stop trimming it and check the partner |
| Current percentage is below the band | Reform and rebuild; cutting cannot add missing paper |
| One partner is ready, the other is not | Preserve the ready character’s amount while working on the other |
Watch the correct character’s meter when making a cut. Removing paper from the wrong partner can spoil an otherwise finished side.
Why variants require fresh checks
Use these board examples to compare the ranges, then check your current meters before cutting:
| Board | Character 1 | Character 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Half Measures 2 | 46.5-49.5% | 62.5-65.5% |
| Half Measures 3 | 37.0-39.0% | 52.0-54.0% |
| Half Measures 4 | 44.5-45.5% | 58.5-59.5% |
| Shared Slice | 46.0-50.0% | 62.0-66.0% |
| Fine Balance | 44.2-45.8% | 58.2-59.7% |
Read your live board before using any example. Shared Slice and Fine Balance belong to the same percentage-trimming family, but their bands differ. A shape that passes one board can remain too large or become too small on another.
Make the final cuts deliberately
- Identify whose amount needs changing.
- Have that character hold still.
- Position the partner for a controlled overlap.
- Remove a useful amount while the reading is far above target.
- Separate and reread the meter.
- Reduce the overlap for the next cut as the band gets closer.
A small overlap gives you a way to approach the target gradually. Do not expect one edge position to remove the same percentage from every previously trimmed body: the current geometry is different.
Rotate the cutting character when a different boundary makes the overlap easier to judge. Keep the receiver still during the final adjustment and use slow movement to avoid crossing too deeply.
Recover from an overshoot
If the amount falls below the lower bound, additional trimming moves it farther from success. Reform the affected body, then repeat with a smaller final overlap.
Preserve the partner’s working percentage where possible. Assign clear roles so that a reset on one side does not become unnecessary cutting on both. Avoid reforming a finished character simply because the other needs rebuilding.
The Half Measures 2 chapter begins at 04:58. For broader cutting coordination, return to the beginner guide.
FAQ
Do both characters need exactly half their paper?
No. Follow each character’s displayed target band; the required percentages can differ.
Which number should I watch?
Compare the current remaining-paper percentage with the target range above that character’s meter.
Can I fix a low percentage by cutting elsewhere?
No. Cutting removes paper. Reform the affected character when too much has been removed.
Should I keep trimming a partner inside the band?
Stop and work on the other character if needed. A further cut can move the ready partner below its lower bound.
Are Shared Slice and Fine Balance identical to Half Measures?
They use the same broad percentage-control idea, but their displayed bands differ. Check the current ranges rather than reusing one target.