The Puzzle Robot #16 – Surprise Sudoku
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Theme: Surprise Sudoku
Rules: Standard Sudoku rules. Also, there is a mystery rule that must be determined by looking at the example at the top of the puzzle.
Answer String: Enter the 1st row from left to right, followed by a comma, followed by the 9th row from left to right.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 6:15, Master = 8:30, Expert = 17:00
Solution: PDF
Editorial Note: While this is an original sudoku for GM Puzzles, this particular “surprise” gimmick from Serkan first appeared on the SudokuCup 10 test with a different puzzle.
Figuring out the mystery rule was great fun 🙂 After that, the solve was pretty fluid. Thanks for a nice puzzle!
I’m guessing that many puzzlers could have figured out this rule even without looking at the example. At least it was my first guess when I glanced over the puzzle and hadn’t seen the example yet. Then again, not including the example would have opened up a lot more space for ambiguity.
13mins.
I must admit, the rule was NOT my first guess.
I thought the outside numbers were Pebff gur Fgernzf pyhrf…
If you (like I) need a hint, this may help :
Jung qb nyy ebjf bs ubevmbagny bhgfvqr pyhrf unir va pbzzba ?
Jung qb nyy pbyhzaf bs iregvpny bhgfvqr pyhrf unir va pbzzba ?
(If hinting is not allowed please edit this post)