Nuts and Bolts
(Published on 15. March 2024, 10:18 by KMD)
Region Sums, Killer Cages, Kropki
Hi, Kennet's Dad here (aka KMD). This puzzle was constructed in a bit of a fugue state. This puzzle now has a sequel: Nuts and Bolts the Sequel: Mowing the Lawn.
Here is a link to Mark's solve
Solve online on Sudokupad
Rules:
- Normal sudoku rules apply.
- Box borders divide each line into segments with the same sum.
- Digits in a cage sum to the number in the top left corner of that cage.
- One digit is double the other in cells separated by a black dot.
I have a YouTube channel where I discuss and analyze literature and poetry. And please consider a free subscription to my novel.
Solution code: Row 9
Comments
on 30. April 2024, 02:59 by QuiltyAsCharged
Excellent, very challenging puzzle! It's a shame Mark's solve skipped over key steps. There was one comment left under that video that gave me the hint I needed to get unstuck.
on 26. April 2024, 09:07 by madhupt
An absolutely peach of a puzzle! After the stunning break-in, the nature of r7c2, then the black dot revealing the value of r5c2 and the mandatory presence of 4 in the outlying cells of c2 in boxes 1 and 4 was sensational. Thereafter to and fro between possible sums on region sum lines was just so smooth and logical. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
on 26. March 2024, 22:01 by Myxo
Really unique and unexpected solve path. Great puzzle!
Thanks Myxo! Happy to hear you found something unexpected.
on 24. March 2024, 20:24 by Fool on Hill
I thoroughly enjoyed this one - there are several cool things about this puzzle including one of the cleverest things I have seen for a while.
I'm glad you liked it as much as you did.
on 18. March 2024, 17:48 by CookieWookie
An absolute pleasure to solve.
(The only thing I'd change is to clarify that not all black dots are given. Otherwise, absolutely fantastic KMD!)
Thanks for giving it a go @CookieWookie! Great pseudonym. As for the rules clarification, I can see your point, and there is some debate about this; though, I think not mentioning it safely implies a negative constraint is not applicable. Perhaps in a puzzle with many kropki dots, it would be needed. Feel free to disagree. :)
on 16. March 2024, 16:14 by Snookerfan
Excellent puzzle with an amazing break-in. Thank you!
@Snookerfan Thank you; We can always count on you in the sudoku community.
on 16. March 2024, 05:58 by SamuPiano
WOW - what an astonishing puzzle! Took me nearly 3 hours (2 of which was on breaking in), and from there it unfolded beautifully! One of my favourite puzzles of all time :)
@SamuPiano That is incredible dedication! And words can't express how much it pleases a constructor to hear. Thank you!
on 15. March 2024, 21:07 by bansalsaab
Crazy ineractions in this beauty.
@bansalsaab I completely agree. Thank you.
on 15. March 2024, 20:42 by Mennoo_
Brilliant puzzle. Struggled a bit at the beginning. But in the end I found the breakin and from there it unfolded beautifully. Some very beautiful logic there which works quite nicely. Loved it!
@Mennoo_ Thank you for those kind words; it's much appreciated.
