Cave 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: Near Diamond
Author/Opus: This is the 193rd puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Standard Cave rules.
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 = 4:00, Master = 8:00, Expert = 16:00
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.
You might also try a theme of “antisymmetric” as opposite clues add up to the same constant 11.
And no, haven’t started yet.
The original form of the puzzle — “Diamond” — was more flawless visually but quite hard to solve with simple logic. Basically, the clues in R4C1 and R7C10 are unnecessary to force one answer.
“Near Diamond” ends up solving a lot more readily, but I did indeed choose the two extra spots to add to an apparent (anti)symmetry feel.
15:48.Interestingly this cave variant doesn’t seem as difficult as it used to be after solving the Puzzles from Kuromasu week.
05:08.
Difficult one, yes; nice job.
21:19