This is a Melon puzzle. (12 – Cave [Outside Domino])
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)
Theme: Dominoes — in both the clues and the variation rules
Rules: Standard Cave rules. Also, the exterior of the cave (the cells not seen by the numbers) must be divisible into dominoes (1×2 rectangles) in at least one way.
Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the cave segments from left to right for the marked rows, starting at the top. Separate each row’s entry with a comma.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 4:15, Master = 9:00, Expert = 18:00
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.
Nice puzzle Palmer, and good luck in Beijing!
This puzzle is giving me fits. I have two questions: first in general cave puzzles, can a cell be inside the cave if no number can reach it? Second, in this puzzle, can a cell be inside the cave if no number can reach it?
The rules of Cave (there’s a link in the puzzle description) say that any cell which isn’t part of the cave MUST connect back to the edge of the grid through other cells outside the cave. So, if you have a cell which is surrounded by cave segments on all sides, it must by definition be in the cave, even without a number itself. You can see that in the example on the rules page; in the lower left, there’s a square with a 7 and 5 clue; the center cell of that square isn’t touched by a number, but must be inside the cave.
finally finished it. apparently i was making too many incorrect assumptions. thanks for the help.
Bad description of the rules. A cell can be not seen by numbers and be part of the cave.