The Dolphin Makes A Splash
(Published on 21. July 2026, 21:43 by The Pi Guy)
Region sum lines: Each blue line (normal) is split into sections by the 3 by 3 boxes. The sections on each individual line must have the same sum.
Parity lines: Each pair of cells along a grey line (hollow) must contain an odd and an even digit.
Kropki: Digits with a white dot between them must be consecutive. Digits with a black dot between them must be such that one digit is double the other.
Knight’s move: Cells that are a chess knight’s move apart must contain different digits (knights move in an L-shape, either 1 cell up/down & 2 cells left/right or 2 cells up/down & 1 cell left/right).
Puzzle link (SudokuPad)
Solution code: Row 1
Comments
on 10. August 2026, 00:30 by abadx
Hi Pi Guy, just wanted to share my opinion regarding rating the puzzle as 75%. Drawing is cute indeed, but I found the solving path quite bumpy. Break in was quite nice and original, but after that I had to check numbers in different parts of the board to continue progressing. That made the solving experience a bit unpleasant. Anyway, from my point of view, a 'nice' rating is not bad at all.
(The Pi Guy): Thanks for this. That’s a shame, I guess I underestimated one of the steps during the knight’s move part of the solve. I’d have loved for a puzzle like this to get a higher rating though, I was super pleased with it. Then again, 80% isn’t bad like you say and at least lots of people seem to have enjoyed solving it.
on 8. August 2026, 09:22 by The Pi Guy
I don’t really take note of the ratings much but having this puzzle ranked as my lowest is really irritating. It’s by far the best looking and it’s not like it has bad logic in it. I believe in giving setters fair ratings and this should be rated higher than 81%. If you enjoyed the puzzle, please rate it. I know that it doesn’t really matter but I’d really appreciate it. Thank you. ❤️
on 27. July 2026, 15:13 by The Pi Guy
Thanks all, really appreciate the kind and detailed responses. As far as the difficulty goes, I would give it 2.5 but it doesn’t exist on here and my rating is only a guide anyway. I’m mostly just pleased with how well the puzzle’s been received. :)
on 24. July 2026, 20:09 by Gunkan
Typical 3* for me, but I may be crap at anti-knight
on 23. July 2026, 18:49 by sujoyku
Thank you for this lovely puzzle, The Pi Guy! The logic is in no way less pretty than this cute little dolphin. It is amazing how much you got out of the Anti-Knight constraint. At several points, I thought I had nothing to move on, but there was always a next bit that gave some progress. The difficulty is 3* for me. Thanks again for setting and sharing!
on 23. July 2026, 15:41 by thebriskt
This puzzle is bloody brilliant, really enjoyed solving it!
on 23. July 2026, 06:02 by The Pi Guy
Have changed the difficulty estimate to 2 stars.
on 22. July 2026, 19:12 by The Pi Guy
I don’t really read too much into rating percentages. However, I’m confused as to why this puzzle appears to have a lower rating than the others. Is there a reason why?
Edit: I think I understand, it’s the fact the star rating should have been 2.
on 22. July 2026, 15:17 by The Pi Guy
Thanks all for the kind comments. :)
That’s the problem with star ratings, they don’t always reflect changes in difficulty very well. But at least they provide some idea of the level.
on 22. July 2026, 13:58 by Myfyr MJ
Very nice. The start is rather tricky though.
on 22. July 2026, 12:59 by Kattorzeh
I think it should be 2*. Lovely dolphin <3
Edit: The Pi Guy here. I’ve checked the puzzle again and I totally agree with you. It’s between 2 & 3 stars but on balance 2 stars is more accurate for the overall solve. Glad you liked the dolphin. ❤️
on 22. July 2026, 11:13 by Snookerfan
Very pretty picture, lovely approachable puzzle, thanks!
