This is the second puzzle in the Intro to Black Holes series. This puzzle introduces black and white holes and teleporting little killers.
These puzzles are meant to be an approachable introduction to black hole puzzles. The rules might seem a bit daunting, but please give them a try!
Intro to Black Hole Series
Rules:
Place 9 "black holes" in the grid, one in each row, column, and box, each with different digits. Place 9 "white holes" in the grid with the same rules. Put black and white holes in different cells.
Given digits may be black or white holes (or not).
Black holes have zero value and white holes have double value.
Teleporting little killers. Little killers teleport from black holes to white holes with the same digit (never the other way). They can teleport one or more times (or not at all) and they never change direction. Include all visited holes in the sum.
Any little killer must visit the same number of black and white holes (it can visit zero holes).
Comments are always welcome. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the puzzle. Have fun!
Streamers have permission to use this puzzle.
Hints: What happens if a little killer visits a white hole before a black hole? Can it ever visit a white hole except by teleporting? It is helpful to periodically consider which digits can go on a specific hole, and which holes a specific digit can go on.
Solution code: Column 1
on 28. June 2023, 18:14 by giladooshlon
It took me some time to fully understand the implications of the rules, and it turned out to have wonderful logic and not too difficult (~22 minutes to solve)
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The rules are a bit tricky! I'm glad you were able to experience the black hole logic!
on 27. June 2023, 21:24 by Kavman15
Loved this puzzle/series!
The practice with these puzzles and combined with your hints have made it fun to revisit your older and harder puzzles, like Tachyons and Black Holes. Still working through that beast, but I finally feel like I have got a grasp now on the rules!
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Thanks! I really like black holes, and I wanted to bring them to a broader audience. Part III should be a stepping stone to the main black hole series, starting with Tachyons.
on 27. June 2023, 20:59 by Snookerfan
Great fun, just like part 1! Thank you
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Thank you, thank you!
on 27. June 2023, 15:58 by bensisko
Very nice! Can't wait for Part III!
on 27. June 2023, 03:50 by bensisko
Very nice! Can't wait for Part III!
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Thanks a lot! Part III will be up tomorrow.
on 27. June 2023, 00:58 by Camerz
It took me almost 97 minutes, but it was a beautiful puzzle. it all fell into place towards the end.
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Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad it came together for you.