SudokuSolver Forum

Is this in the direction of what you are looking for?
I know that only each grid is symmetrical and not the whole puzzle.
Working on that with this software, which Glyn informed me about yesterday.

This puzzle was created as follows using SadMan and JSudoku only:
1) Start five instances of SadMan and place them in a Samurai pattern on the screen.
2) Have each instance generate a puzzle.
3) Have each instance solve the puzzle.
4) In the four outer grids use the tool "Edit > Modify > Substitution" to transpose the digits so that the overlapping block matches its counterpart in the center grid.
5) Reset each puzzle to show the givens only.
6) Remove the givens in the four overlapping blocks.
7) Copy out the five code strings to a file and paste them all into a logical solver, for instance JSudoku.
8) Solve the puzzle to see if the required solving techniques is what you want. If not add or remove givens until the puzzle suits you.


enxio27 Samurai #1

Rating based on required solving techniques:  Hard

040800060000030008080007023000018000610709054000560000560900000200070000070002000
028007090006008400501060000600085000000000000000230004000050102000800300000100940
000000000000730000000002000900003500020000040004100006000200000000056000000000000
400000000708305000005207000900102004000000000100408003009704300207903605500000009
000070004000000002000400030000800100000609000004001000010006050900000003200050960

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Finally knocked this one out! It took me several tries, because I would mess up, then set it aside to work on another puzzle until I had my big eraser, usually finish that other puzzle (and maybe a few more), and then eventually come back to this one. It's finished now, though.

I think I have another of these in a similar holding pattern. I'll have to go find it and give it another try.

Congratulations
When solved with pen and paper only, this is a difficult puzzle.

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Thanks!


Really? Maybe I'm doing better than I thought. I let one of the programs (Sudoku Solver, JSudoku, Sadman, Sudocue) work out all the candidate pencil marks for me and print the puzzles out, but I do all the rest with pencil and paper. With 9x9 sudoku I haven't even been using pencil marks (yet), and I can whip them out fairly quickly (Sudocue rating of about 200-300 right now). For me, using computer solvers to complete a puzzle defeats the purpose.

Finding Naked Triplets and Quads using pen and paper only is far from easy and this puzzle has two of each.

Personally I prefer using the helper part of a solver. Yields faster solving, allowing me to solve more puzzles and thereby having more fun.


If you are able to solve any "Den grusomme" from "Økonomisk Rapport" without using pencil marks, I am truly impressed.

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I didn't think that Naked Triplets/Quads were all that hard, at least not if you have pencil marks (as I said, I use them for 16x16 and multi-grid puzzles but not yet on vanilla puzzles). Now, Hidden Triplets/Quads. . .


I just don't like sitting in front of a computer to work my puzzles (or to read a book, either). Sitting in front of a computer is often fun, but NOT relaxing, and I do sudoku (and read books) to relax. Besides, I do most of my puzzle-solving when I have to be away from my computer, anyway (sitting in bed before I go to sleep, in the car, at my children's music lessons, etc.)


Oh, those are around a 900 or so. I haven't tried those yet. I'm working my way up the difficulty scale. I figure that by the time I hit a 400 or 500, I'll probably have to start using pencil marks.

IMHO that depends on what you do on the computer.
Writing a difficult (and overdue) report for the boss is neither fun nor relaxing.
Solving sudoku, watching a movie or reading something interesting I find both fun and relaxing.

Years ago I found it easier to spot errors in letters and computer programs when reading it on paper instead of on a computer screen, but now I prefer a computer screen. Nowdays I seldom print anything anymore. I communicate and archive almost everything I do electronically.

I hope that the Amazon Kindle or an equivalent device soon will be available in Europe.

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I think that for me, it has more to do with the types of chairs one has to sit in to work on the computer (I don't have a laptop), and the fact that the computer screen is hard on my eyes after a while. No matter how much fun I have at the computer, it's not comfortable for long, and it's nearly impossible to relax when sitting upright in an office chair, especially with my hands on a keyboard or mouse. I prefer a soft, comfy armchair that I can curl up in, or my bed with a nest of pillows. In addition, my computer is in the kitchen (where I can keep an eye on my children while I'm working at the computer), amid all the hustle and bustle of the family. Not exactly relaxing.


I'm still that way, moreso because I can take a pen or pencil and mark up a printout, which I can't do with a computer screen.