Dutch Flat Mates: In Order (palpot collab)
(Published on 24. September 2025, 07:00 by Flinty)
Special Thanks
Thank you to palpot for setting this puzzle with me. We both really hope you enjoy it.
Previous Dutch Flat Mate Puzzles
This has been a weekly series since '18 Oct 23'. Here is a spreadsheet link for all the previous puzzles in the series, which also has a few teasers for upcoming constraints/guest setters in the series (subject to change).
This alternative link offers a limited LMD search for Dutch Flat Mates.
Bonus Flat Mates
Two extra puzzles have been released recently using the Dutch Flat Mates constraint that are well worth your time*:
Dutch Flat Mates (Tessellation) by aqjhs
Dutch Cat Mates* by Andrewsarchus
*Disclaimer: I haven't solved Dutch Cat Mates (yet!), it's terrifying! - lol
To play the puzzle, please click the image:
Puzzle Link: Click Here
Initial Setter Difficulty: 2.5 / 5
Normal Sudoku rules apply
Place the digits 1-9 so that they do not repeat in any row, column, or 3x3 box.
Dutch Flats
Every 5 in the grid must have a '1' directly above it or a '9' directly below it. It may have both, but it doesn't need both.
In Order
Digits outside the grid have to be placed in the same order in the corresponding row or column, but not necessarily in direct neighbouring cells. (E.g. there may be other digits placed between the given digits outside the grid.)
Hint to start
The column clues are surprisingly powerful at the start.
Next Week
Another palpot collab, where the traditional 3x3 minigrids have, mostly*, been left Outside!
*Only the 'Top Right Boi' remains.
Solution code: Column 3 (digits from top to bottom)
Comments
on 24. September 2025, 21:10 by Exigus
Very interesting that those rules combined can become so powerful. Thanks!
on 24. September 2025, 18:35 by Franjo
Interesting idea with a nice break-in. Thank you very much for creating and sharing.
