Forcing
(Published on 7. February 2026, 08:00 by Kaktuslav)
Rules: Chaos construction: Divide the grid into nine non-overlapping regions, each consisting of nine orthogonally connected cells. Place the digits 1–9 once each in every row, column, and region. Circles: In each region, place a circle in the leftmost cell of its topmost row. Every circled digit counts how many cells of its own region (including itself) are visible in its column (region borders block the view). The nine circled cells together form an extra region, i.e. they are orthogonally connected and contain the digits 1–9 once each.
Solution code: Column 5, from top to bottom, with "/" for region borders (e.g. 123/4/5678/9)
Comments
on 15. February 2026, 02:48 by MatthewDonovan
Very beautiful puzzle, thank you! I am also amazed at how you realized this puzzle was possible.
on 12. February 2026, 18:06 by Macarena
That is impressive. Completely amazing. Simple and brilliant.
on 11. February 2026, 23:05 by eamondawes
This was a joy to solve, thank you!
on 11. February 2026, 08:10 by BG03
When I read the rules and looked at the blank grid, I was not expecting to solve it in 12 mins...
I have solved a lot of your puzzles now. Becoming a fan. Thank you
on 11. February 2026, 03:35 by cwill
delightful minimal construction, this one. break-in is pleasantly chewy and after that it feels like watching a cellular automata go. thanks!
on 10. February 2026, 22:14 by Kleiner_Lateiner
My favourite Puzzle of the last few months
on 7. February 2026, 19:19 by kasperd
The solution is slightly more nuanced than I expected from the initial contents of the grid.
I am amazed at how you discovered that those rules would produce a unique solution.
on 7. February 2026, 18:13 by Franjo
Thank you very much for creating and sharing this funny CC-puzzle.
on 7. February 2026, 13:09 by Titus Adduxas
I love a Kaktuslav puzzle - once you get your head round the logic it’s very straightforward - very nice.
on 7. February 2026, 12:51 by GeorgeTheToad2
Always a pleasure to do a Kaktuslav puzzle.
on 7. February 2026, 10:19 by Elliott810
Brilliant construction! Thank you:)
on 7. February 2026, 08:44 by Titan29
This is a strangely intuitive puzzle haha
