Quantum Superposition
(Published on 2. June 2024, 17:32 by MarkFinn)
- Normal sudoku rules apply. Place the digits 1-9 in every row, column, and box.
- Connect orthogonal cells such that every cell in the grid lies on a single loop intersecting itself no more than once. The intersection may be formed by two perpendicular line segments, but they may not turn at their intersection or otherwise overlap. Some orthogonal connections are given.
- Digits along loop form segments whose sums are either X + 2 or X - 2, with each segment having a different sum than its two neighboring segments. X must be determined by the solver.
- Between every segment lies a digit in superposition, which is included in both segments' sums.
- In every row, column, and box, there is exactly one digit in superposition. The digits 1-9 each appear once in superposition.
Solution code: Row 1 followed by Row 2, with no spaces
Comments
yesterday, 16:54 by Jooshy
This is one of the best puzzles I've ever solved, the fact this puzzle even exists without breaking is miraculous in itself, not to mention with the genius solve path it has, unbelievable setting, thanks for sharing! 5/5 difficulty for sure.
Sudokupad link with solution checking: https://sudokupad.app/ex3o18spf2
on 3. June 2024, 05:01 by MarkFinn
Minor grammatical fixes
on 2. June 2024, 22:17 by MarkFinn
Removed rule clarification in favor of a less ambiguous ruleset
on 2. June 2024, 20:46 by MarkFinn
Restore puzzle image removed by last edit
on 2. June 2024, 20:45 by MarkFinn
Added loop intersection rule clarification.
on 2. June 2024, 19:02 by MarkFinn
Hello andreatetta, your interpretation of, "Corners of the loop may not share a single cell, even as an intersection" is correct.
on 2. June 2024, 18:48 by andreatetta
"Corners of the loop may not share a single cell, even as an intersection." Can you clarify this? Does it means that self intersections must be on straight segments (that is intersections are not allowed at corners)?
