3x3
(Published on 6. May 2026, 08:00 by Phurba)
Rules:
- Normal Sudoku rules apply. Place the digits from 1 to 9 once each in every row, column, and 3x3 box.
- Killer Cages: Digits in a cage cannot repeat and must sum to the small number in the top left corner.
- Kropki Pairs: Digits separated by a white dot are consecutive. Not all dots are necessarily given.
Enjoy!
You can watch Timotab's solve of this puzzle on YouTube.
Click on the puzzle image to playSolution code: Row 9
Comments
on 12. May 2026, 09:29 by Phurba
Added link to youtube video.
on 11. May 2026, 12:15 by wormbrain
Loved the break in and also got stuck on 789s near the end for a bit. Id give it 3* also.
on 10. May 2026, 01:22 by DerRiese
I go with VitP
maybe if stars have any sense, no puzzle that needs (really needs) colouring should have less than 3 stars
on 8. May 2026, 22:24 by BorisTheSnake
Very nice! Very simple logic to break in and very rewarding! :)
on 8. May 2026, 10:12 by VitP
this should be instantly recognizable as "not level 2"
solution:
0) things you need to KNOW, just to get started :
1) there are THREE FILLS for 3-cell 9 cages.
2) each fill uses TWO of {1,2,3}
3) then, you need to RECOGNIZE that trying to have two of the same fill within any orthogonal group of three will EXCLUDE two of the critical digits from the third cage of that group.
4) then, you need to REALIZE that you have just EXCLUDED all the low digits from the remainder of the columns and rows in which these cages sit, and you need to UNDERSTAND that it would be a good idea to colour those cells.
4a) and gee whiz, you have just located 9 more cells that must be from {1,2,3}.
5) use the kropki dots.
6) ... the box 6 kropki dot finishes disambiguation of the cages.
7) if you got this far, you are coasting.
the main point is that NO BEGINNER (*) is going to be able to do all that.
therefore --> level 3.
(*) and by "beginner", i just mean "anyone who does not eat, sleep, and breathe sudoku".
undeniably brilliant puzzle. not level 2.
on 7. May 2026, 07:00 by SanFranSam
Colouring the cages helped me get started. Still made some mistakes along the way though. ;)
on 6. May 2026, 23:58 by sujoyku
Wonderful puzzle! Thank you, Phurba!
on 6. May 2026, 19:39 by Snaques
What a great puzzle, it took me a while to figure out how the cages work with each other and another one to turn that logic into actual numbers.
I'd give this 3*, but it really has some quite neat logic in it and really had me scratching my head at the start.
Good job!
on 6. May 2026, 17:55 by Franjo
Thank you very much for creating and sharing this beautiful puzzle. Fantastic setting!
on 6. May 2026, 14:20 by Myxo
Lovely!
on 6. May 2026, 13:57 by Fool on Hill
Very nicely done - reminds me of a previous puzzle of yours. Equally clean and surprising.
on 6. May 2026, 13:43 by Ragna
Wonderful puzzle! Great construction. Thank you. :-)
on 6. May 2026, 12:37 by pmays123
The break in was very delightful to find. Thanks for the great puzzle!
