TomTom (Mystery) by Thomas Snyder
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools)
Theme: 400 Posts
Author/Opus: This is the 400th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Standard TomTom rules, except the digit set is unknown. This puzzle uses 8 distinct non−negative integers.
Difficulty: 5 stars
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 10:30, Master = 20:30, Expert = 41:00
Solution: PDF; a solution video is also available here. A video telling the story of how this puzzle was constructed by Thomas is here.
Note: Follow this link for classic TomTom and this link for TomTom variations. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest TomTom to get started on. More TomTom puzzles can be found in the TomTom collection, in The Art of Puzzles, and in our beginner-friendly collection Intro to GMPuzzles by Serkan Yürekli.
While the puzzle looks intimidating, there’s a nice logical flow. I did have to fool around with factors of 400 for a bit with pencil and paper to figure out which set of numbers had to be the correct one, but after that initial work things flowed smoothly along. Very elegant construction both in the theming and in the satisfying logic.
Bravo!
Very nice 400th puzzle. Agree with Jack, if you have done enough TomTom and don’t mind the unknowns, this is a smooth solve. 23:27 (penpa) + ~6m (to uniquely see the factors and the logical starting point) which is my first 5 star under expert time!
Loren
Can’t believe I was able to solve this, seemed impossible at start!!!! lovely puzzle
Calculation is tough for me, but logically solved. Great puzzle and congrats for 400th posts!