Schrödinger 101: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
(Published on 13. September 2023, 13:00 by ViKingPrime)
PUZZLE:
RULES:
"Normal" Schrödinger rules apply.
(i.e. place the digits 0 through 9 once each in every row, column and box;
two of the digits will have to share a Schrödinger Cell;
each row, column and box contains exactly one Schrödinger Cell).
• Killer: Digits within a cage must sum to the number in the top-left corner.
• Quadruple: Digits within a white circle must appear in the four surrounding cells.
MODIFIER:
• Schrödinger Certainty (Unique): Each Schrödinger cell must be a unique pairing of digits.
INTRODUCTION:
Schrödinger puzzles (also known as "10-in-9") can feel daunting for new solvers; so inspired by Azireo's wonderful tutorial series, I made this as a relatively straightforward introduction in the hopes of easing people into the concept.
Here are some puzzles from other setters using a similar constraint:
"Hell's Bells" by Christounet
"Schrödinger's Triplers" by Oddlyeven
An example puzzle will follow to better illustrate the rules.
Have fun!
Solve in f-puzzles!
Solve in SudokuPad!
Starter:
- "Schrödinger 101: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics"
- "Schrödinger 102: Non-Separable States"
- "Schrödinger 103: Decoherence"
- "Schrödinger 104: Quantum Entanglement"
Solution code: All digits within Schrödinger cells, lowest digit first, top-row to bottom-row.
Comments
on 25. February 2026, 17:10 by abadx
First Schrödinger puzzle I complete. A lovely experience, although pencilmarking is a bit arder to follow.
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@abadx - welcome to the wonderful world of S-Cells. You can of course check out the rest of the series, however I would also encourage you to check out puzzles by Christounet, Mad-Tyas, gdc and ChinStrap, who all share a similar sensibility when it comes to modifier cells such as these <3 -- VKP
on 25. February 2026, 10:03 by abadx
Short sudokupad link: https://sudokupad.app/dwzkueti1k
on 11. March 2025, 20:32 by MysticMan
My first Schrödinger cells puzzle and I completely regret that I have avoided this variant for so much time. Lovely puzzle!
on 13. January 2025, 15:10 by Paquet Voleur
Very nice flow, a great place to get acquainted with Schrödinger cells for the neophyte, and still huge fun for those who have more experience with them.
on 10. October 2023, 18:05 by Abdul the Killer
You commented generously on my most recent puzzle, so I thought I'd return the favour. I glanced at your most recent, and feeling out of my depth I took your implicit advice and started at the beginning. I am very glad I did, the Schrödinger rule is something special, and I'm very glad I met it. I spent the whole of the solve filled with trepidation (as it should be). Very enjoyable throughout. Bravo!
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@Abdul the Killer - I'm surprised and delighted this was your first S-cell puzzle! I still feel very much like a neophyte; if you want to see a master setter at work with the constraint, check out Christounet's catalogue; I believe(?) their stated favourite is 'Powercut', though if you'd like a place to start with, Simon solved '1.21 Gigawatts !' on CtC awhile back, definitely go check it out -- VKP
on 16. September 2023, 01:31 by 3good5you
Wonderful construction! As a newcomer to the genre, I've rarely had such a hard time scanning a puzzle, but certainly never had so much fun in a puzzle that I've had such a hard time scanning!
on 15. September 2023, 00:09 by drbs
„Mr Schrödinger, I have good and bad news for you.“ Great puzzle with a smooth flow.
on 14. September 2023, 23:24 by HumanBirdsong
This is an outstanding puzzle! It took me twenty minutes, which is quite slow for a 3-star, but I'm not used to this constraint and had to proceed quite carefully. Overall the flow was fantastic and the solve was very rewarding with a satisfying conclusion. Thanks for setting this!
on 14. September 2023, 20:26 by Prince Joffrey
Yay, my cat Mr. Schrödinger would be proud
on 14. September 2023, 13:01 by Snaques
What a puzzle and a mind bender at the same time.
I love these kinds of puzzles where you got many places to look for clues so you never get completely stuck. (unless you make a hasty deduction at the very start)
on 14. September 2023, 05:07 by thoughtbyte
Gorgeous puzzle, very well done. Thanks!
on 13. September 2023, 22:31 by Jlrice2
I got to the end and was convinced there were multiple solutions. Did not see the certainty rule until i reread the rules for a 5th time
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@Jlrice2 - Ah yes, the fine print... the scourge of solvers and setters alike. There's a shocking amount of heavy lifting done by convention, I've learned (like with killer cages and no repeat digits), which is usually great but means trouble when trying to do something a little different. Hopefully it didn't detract from the solve <3 -- VKP
on 13. September 2023, 21:34 by Christounet
Nicely done ! The unique pairing of digits add an interesting layer to the S-cell rule. A good introduction to S-cell indeed, not too hard but not trivial either. Thanks.
on 13. September 2023, 16:10 by OutOfMyMindBRB
Just in case someone is confused like i was: the solution code is S. cells in R1->R9 (not C1->C9 as i originally understood :-) )
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@OutOfMyMindBRB - Updated the solution description; apologies for any confusion <3 -- VKP
