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.
Special Thanks
The inspiration for this puzzle is Quadsumes by SennyK.
Whilst setting this puzzle, I somehow didn't even realise that it was two constraints combined until after I had a draft I was happy with. I briefly tried to set a Dutch Flat Mates puzzle with just 'Sum Dots', but failed to find any logic I liked.
To play the puzzle, please click the image:
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.
Quadsumes
Digits in cells touching a gold sum dot must sum to the indicated total. Digits may repeat if allowed by other rules. Additionally, both digits in a sum dot must appear separately within the four surrounding cells.
Hint to start
The clues in the 10s and 20s have different universal properties. Sudoku (and basic math) is your friend to help fully resolve the 22 and 23 clues, as well as some easy onwards progress. You soon find happy 5 spots are quite limited.
Solution code: Column 1 Digits
on 22. May 2026, 22:12 by sujoyku
I found it a bit harder and thus have given 3* for difficulty. No doubt about 5* for beauty though. :)
Thank you for this lovely puzzle, Flinty!
on 22. May 2026, 20:25 by QuiltyAsCharged
Nice one! I'm going to assume it rhymes with consommé
on 21. May 2026, 16:54 by iEtsh
Enjoyable
on 20. May 2026, 18:34 by Franjo
Thank you very much for creating and sharing another beautiful DFM-puzzle.
on 20. May 2026, 17:48 by fractalminding
@Snookerfan haha, i got same.
@Flinty thanks for cool sodoku!❤️
on 20. May 2026, 10:20 by Snookerfan
Beautiful puzzle! I experienced one really hard step near the end which I did not expect in your puzzle, which probably means that I missed an easier way forward. Thanks
on 20. May 2026, 10:06 by SennyK
My favorite umbrella! <3
on 20. May 2026, 08:17 by Piatato
Nice and smooth, thanks!