Fractional Skyscrapers by Robert Vollmert
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use tab to alternate between Sudoku = big digits and Number candidate = small entries in the corners of cells.)
Theme: Logical
Author/Opus: This is the 2nd puzzle from guest contributor Robert Vollmert. You can find more Fractional Skyscrapers, including an example, on his blog.
Rules: Variation of Skyscrapers. Place a digit from 1 to 6 into each cell (including one digit in each half of the split cells) so that no digit repeats in any row or column. The building heights in the split cells are evaluated as fractions (e.g. 5/2 = 2.5) when considering their heights. A building hides all other buildings behind it that are the same height or lower in height.
Answer String: Enter the 1st row from left to right, followed by a comma, followed by the 3rd row from left to right. Enter the split cells in the order they are seen from the left (the upper triangle = numerator before the lower triangle = denominator).
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 4:15, Master = 8:00, Expert = 16:00
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for other classic Skyscrapers and this link for variations on Skyscrapers puzzles. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Skyscrapers to get started on.
This seemed a lot easier that yesterday’s cave. Unless I’m missing something, gur frpbaq ebj naq gur guveq pbyhza pna or pbzcyrgrq nyzbfg vzzrqvngryl, naq gura gur erfg bs gur barf. That gets you halfway home without breaking a sweat.
As far as I remember, the second row has two options for a while.
9:04. Got a complete incorrect grid by guesswork with just one clue indicating wrongly. Reworked it all logically and found the simple correction I could have spotted with better heuristics. The Cave was harder but I took it slow too.
And for the first time in a very, very long time, I think I’m actually caught up. That was a lot of backlog to get through.