Thinking in Circles
(Published on 22. June 2023, 11:34 by Mennoo_)
Rules:
Normal sudoku rules apply
The digits 1-9 behave as a loop, with the loop closed by a jump from 1 to 9 (See picture). The 'minimal distance' between digits is defined as the minimal amount of steps it takes to move from one digit to another around the loop (For example, the digits 2-5 have a minimal distance of 3, but the digits 2-7 have a minimal distance of 4). Digits are consecutive when the minimal distance between them is equal to 1 (i.e., 1-9 is consecutive in addition to all the normal combinations of consecutive digits).
Digits in cells separated by a white dot are consecutive (i.e., have a 'minimal distance' of 1), the 'values' of digits in cells separated by a black dot have a ratio of 1:2 (i.e. normal 1:2 rule, not influenced by the loop conditions). Not all dots are given.
Digits in a cage must sum to the given value.
An orange line behaves as a Dutch whisper line, with adjacent cells on the line having a 'minimal distance' of at least 4.
Online Solve
SudokuPad
F-puzzles
Solution code: both outside orange lines, reading clockwise with first digit being r7c2 (is sequence of 20 digits)
Comments
on 30. July 2023, 01:59 by Kafkapharnaum
Phew! I came pretty close to thinking I wouldn't be able to repay you! That was really hard, took me too extensive sessions, and I'm glad to see all those hidden comment now XD I proceeded much like Silverstep, and it did feel like I wasn't getting all the logic that was hidden, but I still managed to pull through
I gotta say too, after this one and my own last puzzle, I have a lot of respect for the power of loops!
on 23. June 2023, 16:24 by pms_headache
Wow. Loved it. My approach was to see how the sequence had to run around the inner circle. Then found that the pivot point corner orientation was forced by the outer lines. I then just wrote A-I in the inner ring., and noted that one leg of the two outer lines was forced. Played with options to get a pair of letters two apart (eg AC) on the white dot. That left only a handful of options to check for the forced leg positions and the other legs that would yield valid possibilities for the 12 cage and black dot.. I got a bit worried when I got to my last option, but it was right! Thanks.
on 22. June 2023, 17:35 by Mennoo_
Added picture in the rules to better visualize the loop conditions
on 22. June 2023, 16:28 by MonsieurTRISTE
It was really satisfying when all chaos and uncertainty finally became clear.
