December Sudoku, #177, #178, #179 & #180
by: Dan LeKander
Here is some Sudoku fun when the temperatures drop!
Clueless?
We start with a Sudoku puzzle in progress, where it appears that there are no more obvious or not-so-obvious clues. Can you find the hidden clue in Puzzle #177?
(The answer follows the conclusion of Puzzle #180, the feature puzzle for this month)
Simply a Logic Puzzle
Difficult rating … 4/10
(Rating based on puzzles not requiring advanced techniques)
Impossible to solve?
Impossible? No. Difficult? Extremely. Puzzle #179 will be challenge for you. Advanced Techniques (Steps 6 and/or 7) are required. Difficult rating 9.5/10.
Feature Puzzle
Difficult rating … 7/10
(Rating based on puzzles requiring advanced techniques)
PUZZLE PREPARATION
Prior to utilizing techniques 1-8, complete the 5 Steps of Puzzle Preparation …
- FILL IN DATA FROM OBSERVATIONS
- FILL IN OBVIOUS ANSWERS
- FILL IN NOT-SO-OBVIOUS ANSWERS
- MARK UNSOLVED CELLS WITH OPTIONS THAT CANNOT EXIST IN THOSE CELLS
- FILL IN THE OPTIONS FOR THE UNSOLVED CELLS
(hint … If you need a refresher on Step 6, please click the April 2023 issue)
May the gentle winds of Sudoku be at your back,
By Dan LeKander
Clue for Puzzle #177 … What is your next move?
C1R3=5. This should be a fun puzzle for you to finish. Difficulty rating 2/10, advanced techniques not required.
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Editor’s Note: Dan would like to hear more from his readers regarding questions, comments, and suggestions. To confidentially reach Dan, please e-mail him at this address … info@thousandislandslife.com
Recently someone wrote to ask how to fill them out online. Unfortunately, you need to print them yourself, but that is easy to do and I know you will have just as much fun. Also you can use a grid sheet and copy numbers onto the grid.
And, if you have not already done so, I suggest you purchase Dan’s book: