Nurikabe (Word) by Thomas Snyder
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools; use Tab key to alternate between shading and letter entry)
Theme: Indian States (contributed by GMPuzzles to the Indian Puzzle Championship)
Author/Opus: This is the 180th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Variation of Nurikabe rules. Here, the islands are made up of words given in the list below the grid. The words must appear “snake-like” without forming 2×2 white squares or branching. Each given letter belongs to a separate word from the list. This example from the IPC instructions may be helpful:
Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the black segments (the unnumbered, connected “ocean”) 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 = 5:30, Expert = 11:00
Solution: PDF; a solution video is available here.
Note: Follow this link for classic Nurikabe puzzles on this website and this link for other variations on Nurikabe puzzles. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Nurikabe puzzles to get started on.