Hidden Clones Sudoku 2
(Published on 25. April 2020, 04:00 by Eggr)
Normal Sudoku rules apply.
The grey cells form a 'cloned' region, which appears 4 times within the grid (1 Given + 3 Hidden).
Each of the clones is an exact copy of the others; same digits, same configuration, rotations and reflections are not allowed.
Additional Restriction: In this puzzle the 4 clones do not touch each other (orthogonal or diagonal)
Puzzle:
F-Puzzle link to solve online
Hints:
Don't forget the extra restriction: "The 4 clones do not touch each other (orthogonal or diagonal)"
If you're struggling to get started, highlight the text below to reveal a general strategy recommendation:
[Hint] Pick one cell of the clone to be your anchor, then color the entire grid based on where the hidden anchor(s) can and cannot be. A few rows/columns around the perimeter of the grid can always be eliminated based on the shape of the clone. Additionally, basic sudoku rules prevent two anchors from ever being in the same row, column or box. As you solve, continue eliminating any anchor placements that would force contradictions, and eventually it will reveal where the hidden clones must be. [/Hint]
The Series:
This puzzle belongs to 7 part series of daily "Hidden Clones Sudoku" puzzles. The links below will work as they become available.
Day1 Day2 Day3 Day4 Day5 Day6 Day7 BONUS
The digits in each puzzles clone will be required to solve the bonus puzzle.
Inspired by Sam Cappleman-Lynes "Hidden Clone" Sudoku
Created by Greg Rodgers Powers
Solution code: Rows 1 and 5
Comments
on 21. February 2021, 08:17 by Eggr
F-Puzzle link, Thanks @SudokuExplorer
on 13. November 2020, 01:01 by SudokuExplorer
Here's a f-puzzles link: https://f-puzzles.com/?id=y2fnwony
on 2. May 2020, 13:46 by Madmahogany
Made the mistake of diving into the puzzle without reading the instructions. Was really stuck, then decided to read the instructions again. Great puzzle, and a great series.
on 27. April 2020, 01:16 by Eggr
Updated the Hints to include the extra rule
on 27. April 2020, 01:01 by Eggr
@bob yeah that is one of the risks of not adhering to a strict ruleset. Sorry for any confusion. Day6 will also have a special rule.
on 26. April 2020, 22:32 by bob
@eggr: Thanks for pointing out that restriction--it eliminates a lot of possibilities. I guess I should always read the instructions instead of jumping right in...
on 26. April 2020, 21:50 by Eggr
@bob The difficulty wasn't meant to fluctuate too much, but the extra 'clones don't touch' restriction may be a bit harder to visualize than I expected. This is the only puzzle in the series with that restriction.
on 26. April 2020, 17:19 by bob
I find this one to be MUCH harder than the first.
on 25. April 2020, 08:50 by Mody
Toll :)
on 25. April 2020, 05:39 by cdwg2000
Beautiful series！
