Pretending (with ChinStrap)
(Published on 9. June 2025, 21:56 by MSDOS)
click on image to play
ChinStrap and I are back at it again with MORE Tentropy Lines, this time with modifier cells! We are both really happy with how this combination of rules led to some really interesting logic. We hope you enjoy, and welcome all feedback!
Rules
Normal sudoku rules apply.
Mod 10 Pseudocells: Place 9 pseudocells in the grid, one in every row, column, and box. The value of a pseudocell is equal to the mod10 (units digit only) sum of its row number and its column number. For example, a pseudo cell in row 6 column 7 has a value of 3 (6+7 = 13 which mod10 = 3). Each pseudocell contains a different DIGIT. An image of all mod10 pseudo cell values is below.
Tentropy Lines: Every set of 4 adjacent cells on a hollow peach line must contain a VALUE from each of the X pair (ten-pair) subsets of {1,9}, {2,8}, {3,7}, and {4,6}. A VALUE of 5 (or 0) may not appear on a Tentropy Line.
Little Killers: VALUES along the indicated diagonals sum to the given total. The number N is the same for all 3 clues and must be determined by the solver.
Play on SudokuPad!
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A note on solving the puzzle:
Feedback from testing has indicated that a major aspect contributing to the difficulty of this puzzle is coming up with an effective notational approach. If you would like to take on this challenge while solving, please ignore any spoilers below. If you would like some tips on how to effectively notate the grid while solving, click the spoiler below.
Tips on Notation (no spoilers on the solve path)
In general, tentropy puzzles are best solved using a coloring approach with one color assigned to each tentropy set. In a puzzle that also includes modified cells, it is suggested that solvers use a light grey to indicate 'real' cells and some other color, like red, to indicate modified cells. Tentropy colors can overlay with the grey to help with scanning for 'real' pairs of tentropy digits.
Example Image (Mod10 Pseudo Cells)Example Image (Valid Tentropy Line including modifiers)
Solution code: Box 1 in reading order. (9 digits)
Comments
on 16. June 2025, 20:03 by MSDOS
Removed "An image [...] is below" from SudokuPad rules.
on 16. June 2025, 04:11 by Gnosis66
Everything Skuntsel said.
on 15. June 2025, 01:03 by skuntsel
This is just sublime brilliance! One of the best puzzles of the year. When two fantastic setters combine effort, something stunning always emerges. Very fresh and interesting ruleset with absolutely unpredictable conclusions, especially with modifier cells. One impeccable deduction after the other, and the puzzle leads you very gently and steadily, although very slowly, towards the solution, absolutely not letting you go until the very end. First digits after several hours of deductions, despite the rules almost dictate you to put a five or two fives immediately, it was definitely a 5 star puzzle and maybe a tad more for me. And Ns, little killer disambiguating clues, are cherries on top of the cake. Also, the puzzle just flummoxes with its aesthetics. Fantastic work, just wow, MSDOS and ChinStrap!
MSDOS: Thank you so much for taking the time to write this thoughtful message. It really means a lot!
on 11. June 2025, 02:39 by Elliott810
Absolutely brilliant (and very hard) puzzle! Take a bow and thank you:)
MSDOS: Thank YOU Elliott for the kind comment and the solve :)
on 10. June 2025, 20:36 by wenchang
It is very hard and enjoyable to solve.
MSDOS: Thanks so much for the comment and the solve wenchang!
on 10. June 2025, 19:33 by Exigus
I found that hard but very fun. Coloring exercise of a high level. Thanks!
MSDOS: Thanks so much Exigus! glad you enjoyed the challenge!
