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:
I have a YouTube channel where I discuss and analyze literature and poetry. And please consider a free subscription to my novel.
Lösungscode: Row 9
am 30. April 2024, 02:59 Uhr von 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.
am 26. April 2024, 09:07 Uhr von 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!
am 26. März 2024, 22:01 Uhr von Myxo
Really unique and unexpected solve path. Great puzzle!
Thanks Myxo! Happy to hear you found something unexpected.
am 24. März 2024, 20:24 Uhr von 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.
am 18. März 2024, 17:48 Uhr von 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. :)
am 16. März 2024, 16:14 Uhr von Snookerfan
Excellent puzzle with an amazing break-in. Thank you!
@Snookerfan Thank you; We can always count on you in the sudoku community.
am 16. März 2024, 05:58 Uhr von 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!
am 15. März 2024, 21:07 Uhr von bansalsaab
Crazy ineractions in this beauty.
@bansalsaab I completely agree. Thank you.
am 15. März 2024, 20:42 Uhr von 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.