Dr. Sudoku Prescribes #32 – Outside Sudoku
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use tab to alternate between Sudoku entry modes and a shading mode to mark off clues.)
Theme: Four Nonets
Rules: Standard Outside Sudoku rules.
Answer String: Enter the 5th row from left to right, followed by a comma, followed by the 5th column from top to bottom.
Time Standard: Outside Sudoku Grandmaster = 2:15, Master = 3:00, Expert = 6:00
Solution: PDF
I personally feel that this particular Sudoku variant has been over-explored. Because of the restriction in the solving path (where it always start from the borders and spiralling inwards), the only way to wow people is the presentation and nothing else. The solve would be similar from puzzle to puzzle, plus or minus.
Also, how many sudoku variants are you planning to introduce / include in your books?
I think I agree, although I’m naturally interested to see if Thomas manages to exceed expectations on Thursday and Saturday…
I have a few upcoming titles. The next book, of puzzles, has no sudoku at all. And I hope to have a lot of authors.
But, as always, I’m working on another sudoku variants book that will likely just have 5 variants and about 40 puzzles. Outside Sudoku is not going to be one of them. But because it had a full place in Mutant Sudoku and is a good style — even if after a dozen puzzles is a bit repetitive — earned it this space in “Think Outside the Box” week. I’ve certainly written an Outside sudoku that solved from the inside-out. But it takes a lot of care to achieve.
After solving the top third, I was worried that the puzzle would be completely trivial. Should have known better, as the bottom did make me think a bit.
I think you can replace the word “top” with “left” and say the same thing. This theme certainly packs two shells of difficulty.
5:55 !!
Boxes 4,5,8,9 created a few problems…and pushed my time a bit but nice sudoku !!!
The nice layout and not completely trivial solve (among the other nice puzzles over here and on your old blog) triggered for me the wish to know/learn more about puzzle creation.
Of course I cannot expect that you disclose all the secrets of the trade 🙂
But if I remember correctly you once wrote a nice post about the logic behind sudoku creation.
Can you direct me to that post ?
Every style has its own tricks. The sudoku post you refer to is here.
I have, over the last several years, been writing articles for a US magazine (GAMES) on how to construct various styles of puzzles. Those articles are now being published as a book: Puzzlecraft: The Ultimate Guide on How to Construct Every Kind of Puzzle
Thanx ! Also the book looks very interesting !
Immediately ordered it (together with Sudoku Masterpieces).
Can’t wait until the release 🙂