Counting Loop
(Published on 28. June 2024, 09:40 by sujoyku)
- Normal sudoku rules apply, i.e. each row, column and 3x3 region has to contain the digits from 1 to 9 once each.
- Arrows: Digits on an arrow sum to the digit in the circle from which the arrow emerges.
- Counting loop:
1) Loop: Draw a one-cell wide loop into the puzzle. The loop may only move orthogonally from cell to cell and must not touch itself neither orthogonally nor diagonally. The loop does not contain any arrow cell (this also includes an arrow’s circle).
2) Counting circles: If a digit X lies on the loop, it must appear on the loop exactly X times. In other words, each loop cell serves as a counting circle. If for example, a 5 lies on the loop, then the loop has exactly five 5s.
3) Loop sum clues: Clues outside the grid indicate the sum of all digits ON THE LOOP in that direction. More precisely, a clue without an arrow indicates the sum of the digits on the loop in the respective row or column. Clues with an arrow indicate the sum of all loop digits on the marked diagonal. (In both cases, digits that are not on the loop do not contribute to the sum.)
Here you can solve the puzzle online (note that you might want to turn off the conflict checker if you use the link to f-puzzles):
Solution code: Row 1 from left to right (9 digits in total)
Comments
on 12. July 2024, 20:14 by nunc
This was a very beautiful puzzle. Got stuck in the middle, but in the end it unfolded all perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
**
You are much welcome, nunc, thank you for your comment! I think I know around which point you may have been stuck as there is one step that might be more difficult to spot than the rest. It is great to hear that you liked how the puzzle unfolded in the end.
Kind regards, sujoyku
on 30. June 2024, 06:55 by avishai
Wonderful and tricky and very satisfying! Thank you!
**
You are much welcome, avishai, thank you for your kind comment! I am glad that you liked the puzzle and had a satisfying solve.
Kind regards, sujoyku
on 29. June 2024, 17:28 by Franjo
Fascinating idea, perfectly executed - a great puzzle! Loved to solve this gem. Thank you so much for sharing.
**
You are much welcome, Franjo, thank you for your kind words! Some time ago, I have experimented combining Counting Circles with Yin Yang. But with the loop I got it to work a little smoother. Anyhow, it is great to hear that you liked the puzzle.
Kind regards, sujoyku
on 28. June 2024, 17:02 by CaptZebraCakes
Very nice puzzle sujoyku! I really enjoyed the aha moments when I learned what numbers could or couldn't be on the line. Great logic that flowed very smoothly. Thanks!
**
Thank you for your kind comment, CaptZebraCakes! I am glad that you enjoyed the puzzle.
Kind regards, sujoyku
on 28. June 2024, 15:27 by meggen033
Very lovely puzzle. Loved how how the constraints worked wonders to form the loop and then from there it still played beautifully. Well done! Great Puzzle!
**
Thank you for your kind words, meggen033! I am glad that you liked the interaction of the different constraints.
Kind regards, sujoyku
on 28. June 2024, 12:17 by Prince Myshkin
Loved it! Thanks again, Sujoyku!
**
You are much welcome, Prince Myshkin, thank you for commenting! Great to hear that you enjoyed the puzzle.
Kind regards, sujoyku
