Logic Masters Deutschland e.V.

This puzzle is based on an extended exploration of self-referential loops (and networks) with sfushidahardy, which we are tentatively calling "Jisoku" (自測). Difficulty may be closer to 3 stars if you have loop and/or German Whisper experience.

Rules:

Normal Sudoku rules apply.

Jisoku Loop: Draw a non-intersecting loop that travels orthogonally through the centers of some cells. Cells have three types: "empty" if they do not contain the loop, "turn" if the loop turns 90 degrees, and "straight" if the loop passes straight through. A digit in an arrow cell counts how many cells of the same type as itself can be seen in the indicated direction (the count does not include the clue cell).

Adjacent digits on the loop differ by at least 5.

Example:

Here is an example of how arrow clues work on a Jisoku Loop (the 2 counts two "straight" cells to the south, the 3 counts three "turns" to the east, etc.). Note that this example illustrates the Jisoku Loop rules only, and does not necessarily follow the Sudoku or German Whisper rules of the main puzzle.

Solve Online:

• SudokuPad (some arrows are off-center so they do not potentially obscure the loop)