Cherry Blossom
(Published on 25. March 2025, 13:37 by egubachu)
Rules
- Sudoku: Place the digits 1 to 9 once each in every row, column, and box.
- Cages: Digits within a cage do not repeat and sum to the indicated total.
Notes
This puzzle builds on ideas from Cutting a Diamond, which took me over 6 months to fine tune. It is probably one of the puzzles I learned to most from while setting, because I began to understand conceptually how to avoid pitfalls and explore the space of all possible puzzles to get the logic I wanted.
Thanks to Roger Wrightshoe and Ul-Rhymm for testing and leaving wonderful feedback!
Solution code: Row 5
Comments
on 27. April 2025, 06:34 by feverlute
Wow! So elegant! This is a great example for explaining what cryptic sudoku is. “See, you don’t need any given digits: just a few constraints.” Oh! Interesting! But wait, how do you even start?
on 26. March 2025, 17:22 by Norkas
I believe you, when you say you learned a lot from this. To put so much nice logic into such a symmetrical arrangement with so similar numbers.
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Thank you so much, Norkas! The specific thing I learned while setting these puzzles, is how to narrow in on constraints so that the geometry of the puzzle can live up to its potential (as opposed to just give digits and then fall flat).
on 26. March 2025, 11:30 by Silverscree
What a gorgeous puzzle! I'm still not sure I understand exactly how I did that, but it certainly felt great to do!
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Thank you so much Silverscree! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the puzzle!
on 26. March 2025, 01:39 by ccotreau
Interesting puzzle with fun logic
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Thank you ccotreau! I'm so happy that you enjoyed it!
on 25. March 2025, 17:38 by MonsieurTRISTE
Thank you for bringing this excellent puzzle!
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Merci beaucoup MonsieurTRISTE! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the puzzle!
on 25. March 2025, 17:15 by Snookerfan
Fantastic puzzle! One of the most spectacular break-ins ever! So many aha moments. Take a bow, thank you
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Thank you so much for your generous compliments Snookerfan! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the puzzle!
