Activated Kropki
(Published on 7. November 2022, 04:03 by RockyRoer)
This is the first puzzle in what I hope will be a series of puzzles featuring a new rule - Activated Cells. If you enjoy it, be sure to let me know, because I have several more ready to publish -- or I can abandon it as another weird RockyRoer puzzle. I'd also love to see what other setters can do with it, so feel free to experiment if you'd like.
The Rules
- Normal sudoku rules apply.
- [Kropki] Cells separated by a black dot must form a 2:1 ratio. Furthermore, each of these cells must be Activated. Not all dots are given.
- [Activated Cells] An activated cell is the xth cell in from the outside of every row and column from both directions, where x is the first cell seen in the row or column from that direction.
- In the row 314592876 the 4 is activated by the 3 and the 5 is activated by the 6.
- In the row 239417568, only the 3 is activated.
- Notice the first picture is the two rows described above, the second is a possible complete grid, with the active cells shaded from all four directions.
- Hint: I recommend shading cells that must be inactive one color, cells that must be activated a different color temporarily and cells I've determined ARE activated a darker color.
Solution code: Top row, and 5th column. (18 digits)
Comments
on 1. February 2023, 17:29 by h5663454
The inference is easy to find, but it is very, very difficult to apply this inference to the problem-solving process.
But that doesn't stop it from being a great puzzle in itself! Thanks!
on 16. November 2022, 05:26 by glum_hippo
This was great. I didn't try it when you originally created, but it's such a gem! I also hope more people will try the Japasu
on 13. November 2022, 19:28 by chameleon
What a brilliant puzzle!
The trick is not hard to find, and very fun to follow =)
on 9. November 2022, 17:13 by zegres
Very cool puzzle. Took a while to adjust my brain to it and figure out the tricks. Once I did it flowed smoothly. I would like to see more Activated Cells puzzles.
Reply: There's another one available now: Activated Japanese Sums -- # 000BZ4
on 8. November 2022, 12:48 by Nylimb
Great puzzle! I'd like to see more more with this rule.
Reply: Thanks for the solve! Here's another -- Activated Japanese Sums -- # 000BZ4
@RockyRoer: I should be careful what I wish for! The new one was very difficult, and very nice.
on 7. November 2022, 10:41 by Elliott810
Very nice puzzle and idea! I would love to see more of these. Thanks:)
Reply: Glad you enjoyed it - if you're still interested, here's another -- Activated Japanese Sums -- # 000BZ4
on 7. November 2022, 07:04 by ScatterBrain
I discovered a few deductions on activated cells, but it was not easy! It's an interesting variant. Thanks for setting.
