Cave (Product) by Thomas Snyder
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: Even Slashes
Author/Opus: This is the 156th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Variation of Cave rules. Each clue represents the product of the # of row cells visible (including the cell itself) with the # of column cells visible (including the cell itself).
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 = 7:30, Master = 13:30, Expert = 27:00
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for other Cave variations and this link for other classic Caves. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Cave Puzzles to get started on.
The overt theme may be “even slashes”, but the underlying logic of how this puzzle connects is definitely the really memorable part of this one. Very satisfying when everything becomes clear.
13:02
This was a great puzzle right to the end; I like how funqrq pryy pbaarpgvivgl pushed the solution forward at each stage.