Aqre by Eric Fox
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use tab to shift between shading mode and the composite Yajilin mode where left click marks cells, right click marks dots in cells or X’s on edges, left click+drag draws lines.)
Theme: Sixes
Author/Opus: This is the 8th puzzle from guest contributor Eric Fox. Eric invented this style and more Aqre from Eric are on his blog here.
Rules: Standard Aqre rules: Shade some cells so that all shaded cells form one connected group. Regions with numbers must contain the indicated count of shaded cells, and it is allowed to shade over the numbered cells. There may not exist a run of four or more consecutive shaded or unshaded cells horizontally or vertically anywhere in the grid.
Difficulty: 4.5 stars
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 8:15, Master = 20:00, Expert = 40:00
Solution: PDF; a solution video is also available here.
Note: Follow this link for more Aqre puzzles. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Aqre to get started on. More Aqre puzzles are in Shading Variety Collection by Prasanna Seshadri.
Difficult but satisfying puzzle to cap off a week that got me seeking out more aqre puzzles! Don’t know if it’s possible but this is one that I think a construction process would be interesting for, but either way, kudos to Eric for a great puzzle.
Took 27:50 to solve this. I actually am solving Aqre since its infancy, I am surprised how compelling they can be. Thank you Eric.
There are some nice ideas in this puzzle. It took me a long time to figure out the logic of the 2×4 boxes and the 3×4 box. One of my favorites of the year so far.