This puzzle was created in honor of Scojo's birthday, using “Copycat Cells”, a modifier invented by Scojo. Happy birthday, Scojo!
I hope you enjoy solving it!
To solve online, click here or on the image below.
Normal sudoku rules: Place the digits 1 to 9 in each Row, Column, and 3X3 box.
Slow Thermometers: Values must not decrease while moving from bulb to tip, and may exceed 9 outside the grid.
X-Sums: Outside values are the sum of the values of the first X cells in the row/column from that side of the grid, where X is the value of the closest cell.
Copycat Cells: Place 9 Copycat Cells into the grid so that there is exactly one Copycat Cell in each row, column, and 3x3 box. Each Copycat Cell must contain a different digit. The value of a Copycat Cell is the digit in the cell rotationally opposite itself in the grid (180° rotation about the center of the grid). For example, if r2c3 is a Copycat Cell containing the digit 5, and r8c7 contains the digit 9, the value of r2c3 is the digit in r8c7, which is 9.
Lösungscode: Values in r2, from left to right.
am 11. Mai 2026, 20:13 Uhr von Scojo
Thanks for the reminders about my new age, the break-in certainly drove that point home. Thank you for the gift!
am 9. Mai 2026, 17:05 Uhr von palpot
Edited the X-Sums rule for clarity.
am 9. Mai 2026, 16:31 Uhr von henrypijames
I assume that "sum of the first X cells" means "sum of the values of the first X cells", but it would be better to state that explicitly.
palpot: You're right, I changed the rule to make it more clear. Thank you for the comment.
am 9. Mai 2026, 12:54 Uhr von Snookerfan
Great puzzle! Tricky because of my inexperience with copycat cells, but the solve time fits 3 stars, so excellent setting! Thanks