Nanro (Signpost) by Thomas Snyder
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use the tab key to alternate between shading and number entry modes)
Theme: Five (appeared in the 2016 Puzzle Grand Prix playoffs)
Author/Opus: This is the 255th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Variation of Nanro.
Label some cells with numbers to form a single connected group of labeled cells. No 2×2 group of cells may be fully labeled. Each number must be equal to the total count of labeled cells in that bold region, and all bold regions contain at least one labeled cell. The given numbers indicate how many cells are labeled in that region (but not necessarily which cells are labeled). When two numbers are orthogonally adjacent across a region boundary, the numbers must be different.
Also see this example:
Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the segments labeled with numbers from left to right for the marked rows, starting at the top. Separate each row’s entry from the next with a comma.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 4:00, Master = 6:15, Expert = 12:30
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for Nanro puzzles on this website and this link for variations on Nanro puzzles. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Nanro Puzzles to get started on. More Nanro puzzles can be found in A Number o’ Nanro by Prasanna Seshadri.
4:38 — not quite grandmaster speed, but respectable enough. Really enjoyed the construction, with so many regions whose labeled cells needed to avoid each other.