Dr. Sudoku Prescribes #118 – Cave (Hex)
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use tab to shift between shading mode and the linex mode where left click+drag draws lines and right click marks X’s)
This is a “Franken-Friday” puzzle variation.
Theme: Prime Time
Rules: Standard Cave rules, except the grid is hexagonal.
Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the internal cave segments following the arrows for the marked rows, starting at the top. Separate each row’s entry with a comma.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 6:00, Master = 8:30, Expert = 17:00
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for other classic Caves. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Cave Puzzles to get started on.
(Files away under ‘things that Thomas is going throw at us next year on the USPC’)
Fun, although I felt like I was still figuring out logical tricks at the end, and relied to much on trial and error.
I am not a cave expert (but I have done every one that DrS put on his blog). I didn’t need any trial and error to solve.
It feels familiar but has a pleasing amount of new logic. This variant has good potential I think, there are more complicated techniques that might be included (and thankfully weren’t in its first outing).
This was great. I was afraid I would have to come up with a translation to the “no checkerboard” rule, but I didn’t need to. Still not entirely sure how that would work here…
There is no direct equivalent to that rule as there is no vertex of order 4 or higher that could be crossed twice by the boundary of a loop, stranding something inside. (Note: I don’t like viewing Cave as a loop, but in this hex geometry it may be the easiest way to show the relevant difference).
Gotcha. I’ll try to remember that whenever you throw a triangular cave at us….