String Theory
(Published on 3. November 2022, 08:00 by Nordy)
An unknown quantum physicist has captured tantalizing experimental evidence for the illusive strings from the String Theory. The preliminary results have appeared mysteriously on your desk, and they show particles and strings in quantum superpositional states. If you can accurately predict the collapse of those superpositions and extract their properties… well, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Many thanks to @henrypijames for testing, feedback on rules, name inspiration, and theming.
Rules:
Normal Sudoku: Place the digits 1 to 9 in every row, column, and 3x3 box.
Particles—XV and Kropki Superpositions: Each diamond represents either an X, V, black dot, or white dot such that:
- Digits connected by an X sum to 10
- Digits connected by a V sum to 5
- Digits connected by a black dot have a ratio of 2:1
- Digits connected by a white dot are consecutive
Strings—Renban and Whispers Superpositions: Each line represents either a Renban or German Whispers line such that:
- Digits on a Renban line form a consecutive set in any order
- Adjacent digits on a German Whispers line differ by 5 or more
Box Exclusivity: Within each 3x3 box, different diamonds and lines must represent different clue types.
- Note: if a pair of digits can be connected by two different clue types, a diamond between them may represent either one, allowing for another diamond in the same box to represent the other. For example, 1♢2♢4 is allowed as it may represent 1○2●4, but 1♢2♢4♢5 is not allowed as it has no valid, non-repeating representation.
Example: Here is an example showing how particles and strings might represent clues. Note that this is not an actual puzzle, and alternate representations may exist.
Solve online:
- SudokuPad: Purple clues / Gray clues
- F-Puzzles: Purple clues / Gray clues
Alas, a final bit of quantum superposition remains undetermined and indeterminable—thus is the weird and wonderful nature of quantum physics.
Solution code: Row 5
Comments
on 10. July 2023, 05:16 by damasosos92
Ambiguity is not my "cup of tea", but this one is really focused and on point. Loved it. Thank you Nordy.
on 30. November 2022, 02:40 by Piatato
Very nice! Interesting interactions at first, and a really smooth and fun solve thereafter!
on 12. November 2022, 04:35 by Samish
Cool idea and fun puzzle, I enjoyed how the clues interacted neatly together ! I did the break-in differently than your doc I think but found it very nice
on 10. November 2022, 21:52 by mathpesto
Smooth and well-telegraphed, very clever ruleset!
on 9. November 2022, 13:59 by filuta
I would say typical Nordy puzzle, based on a series of very clever observations on the constraints and the ruleset in general. And a very fun solve too ofc.
--Thanks! That means a lot :)
on 3. November 2022, 19:12 by Nordy
Thanks all for the nice comments and solves :) The break-in for this puzzle is a bit weird, and there are multiple ways to approach it. I have left a hidden comment with a guide showing what I believe is the "most direct" way to break in. Cheers!
on 3. November 2022, 18:53 by Entropywins
Great theme and fun to solve!
on 3. November 2022, 13:54 by henrypijames
Looking forward to seeing Simon take on this puzzle - and obsess over the meaning of the mysterious "final indeterminacy" throughout the entire solve. :D
on 3. November 2022, 12:51 by OutOfMyMindBRB
A lot of fun to solve - thanks
