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).
I invented the Pointer Sums constraint a few weeks ago. You can try my original puzzle here
Solve online: SudokuPad
Rules:
Normal sudoku rules: Place the digits 1 to 9 in each Row, Column, and 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.
Pointer cells: A digit N in row/column X is a pointer cell if its distance (in cells) from the digit X in that row/column is exactly N. For example, if row 6 is 165324789, then 1 and 4 are pointer cells. The 1 is 1 cell from the 6, and the 4 is 4 cells from the 6.
Pointer Sums: A clue outside the grid gives the sum of all pointer cells in that row or column.
Visual Example
Green cells are valid Pointer cells for the row clues, and Yellow cells are valid Pointer cells for the column clues (only clued rows and columns are highlighted).
Solution code: Row 5 digits from left to right.
yesterday, 20:23 by Franjo
Thank you very much for creating and sharing this beautiful (and surprisingly approachable) puzzle.
yesterday, 20:23 by Franjo
Thank you very much for creating and sharing this beautiful (and surprisingly approachable) puzzle.
yesterday, 16:19 by Silentdodo
Love the idea of pointer cells! I stuck for some time before noticing Dutch Flats, and then the flow became smooth.
yesterday, 15:59 by SennyK
Wonderful puzzle and great construction, tripped me up a couple of times, I need to be more careful with conclusions! :-)
yesterday, 10:28 by Flinty
Lovely puzzle. Thank you my friend. :)