Ambiguous Arrows Sudoku
(Published on 25. May 2022, 21:26 by Jay Dyer)
An experimental ruleset that I found to be quite interesting to set with. Basically, you can think of each line as being a standard arrow clue, but the position of its circle cell (which equals the sum of the other digits) is not specified, and can be anywhere on the line, not just at an end.
Rules
- Sudoku: Normal sudoku rules apply.
- Ambiguous arrows: Each line must contain a digit equal to half the sum of its digits. Digits may repeat on a line if allowed by other rules.
Solution code: Rows 8 and 9.
Comments
on 28. January 2025, 20:22 by QuiltyAsCharged
Terrific and elegant puzzle! The word ambiguous refers to multiple options, not just two (despite what the root "ambi" seems to imply.) So the title is apt.
on 19. January 2025, 06:28 by Allagem
Found this puzzle because of CtC, but had to try it myself once I read the rules. Really great puzzle Jay. Has this constraint been used since this puzzle? It's a fantastic idea, but I wanted to get your take on renaming it to "Scrambled Thermos" or something similar. Ambiguous in my mind implies only two options, whereas these lines have many more :)
Either way, really cool and interesting puzzle!
on 27. May 2023, 19:21 by OldCaptainWZJ
I like sudokus with just a single extra rule, and this puzzle is one of the most brilliant of them. The deductions are novel, and they are all interesting and rewarding to find. Thanks for setting this!
on 15. January 2023, 17:19 by Samish
Great execution of this cool idea!
on 19. October 2022, 22:15 by Vebby
Brilliant puzzle! Definitely a sleeper classic, deserves way more solves.
on 26. May 2022, 18:22 by Jay Dyer
Added some additional description of the nature of the clues.
on 26. May 2022, 16:43 by DVFrank
Absolutely incredible puzzle! There were so many deductions that were really fascinating - in particular deducing the composition of the lines in box 7 was such a treat! :^) Thank you for setting this!
on 26. May 2022, 15:00 by JayForty
My mind is blown by this puzzle. At first glance it's just ridiculous and you expect some hidden trick or secret to it. Absolutely amazing and clever setting.
