Clue Quartet
(Published on 9. January 2026, 05:09 by Kutsumi Hane)
This puzzle consists of four puzzles sharing the same grid layout. They appear visually identical; however, the outside clues have different meanings in each puzzle.
The rules for these four puzzles are as follows:
Common Rules:
Normal Sudoku rules apply, requiring that each row, column, and 3×3 box contains the digits 1-9 exactly once. Additionally:
·Odd/Even Lines:
Digits along red lines alternate between odd and even.
·Inequality:
Inequality signs between two cells point toward the smaller digit.
·Shared Cells:
Shaded cells must contain the same digit in all four puzzles. All shared cells are given.
Variant-Specific Rules:
Each quadrant uses a different outside-clue rule:
·Skyscrapers (top-left):
A clue X outside the grid indicates the number of buildings visible from that side in that direction.
Taller buildings block the view of shorter ones behind them.
·Sandwich (top-right):
A clue X outside the grid indicates that the digits between 1 and 9 in that direction sum to X.
·X-Triplet Average (bottom-left):
A clue X outside the grid indicates that the (X−1)-th cell, the X-th cell, and the (X+1)-th cell in that direction have an average of X.
·Numbered Room (bottom-right):
A clue X outside the grid indicates that X appears in the N-th cell in that direction, where N is the digit in the cell immediately adjacent to the clue.
You may solve the combined puzzle or the four puzzles individually using the links below:
The difficulty is estimated at 4–5 stars. Enjoy solving!
Solution code: R1C4–R1C6 of the four puzzles, written as xxx/xxx/xxx/xxx in the order Skyscrapers, Sandwich, X-Triplet Average, and Numbered Room.
Last changed on on 9. January 2026, 17:14
Solved by Siebuhh, bansalsaab, MonsieurTRISTE, Da Letter El, SKORP17, han233ing, Briks, NEWS, SirWoezel
Comments
on 9. January 2026, 17:14 by Kutsumi Hane
The Solution Code has been simplified and revised for clarity. This change does not affect the puzzle itself.
Last changed on 9. January 2026, 17:09on 9. January 2026, 17:00 by bansalsaab
Beautiful interaction between the puzzles but that solution code is annoying
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Response from Kutsumi Hane:
Thanks a lot! I'm happy you liked the interaction between the puzzles.
You're absolutely right about the solution code — I found it a bit awkward myself, and I'll update it right away.
on 9. January 2026, 11:02 by Kutsumi Hane
The SudokuPad link for the combined puzzle has been updated for visual consistency. The puzzle itself is unchanged.