| today's puzzle (2 May 06) |
PuzzleLover
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 1033
Best Total: 38m 17s | Posted - 2006.05.03 04:36:26
On today's puzzle, the first 2/3 was quick and easy. Then I ran out of local deductions, I didn't find any short contradictions, and it was still too wide open for me to see the last global connections.
I tried a few possibilities that neither gave a short contradiction nor led to an obvious solution that I could see. I finally tried a possibility that was clearly constrained all the way to the solution.
Did I miss something? What are you pros doing differently? Can y'all give me any more specific advice than "practice" (which I've been doing a lot of). Thanks.
P.S.- Specific tips on this puzzle are welcome. But they should probably either wait a week, or you're welcome to email me at scotth at ichips.intel.com .
Last edited by PuzzleLover - 2006.05.03 04:38:02 |
astrokath
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 3258
Best Total: 13m 42s | Posted - 2006.05.03 07:13:37
Tuesday's puzzle can be done logically in its entirety without using the fix position button.
But, there are a few places where you may easily come unstuck. I know you said not to give a full solution, so I'll just give the crucial clue. One of the 2's in the [CENSORED] region of the puzzle might be an issue for some people. You should be able to find the following details pretty easily:
Note, I've not marked on any other numbers which may, or may not be in the vicinty!
The clue here is to remember the "highlander solution" - there can be only one, unique route around the grid. Because of that fact, you should be able to make a bit more progress in this particular region. After that, everything should fall into place.
In fact... there are other logical spots which also give enough clues that you don't even need this rule. Try taking a slow, closer look for what you've missed.
Last edited by astrokath - 2006.05.03 07:21:21 |
foilman
Kwon-Tom Admin
Puzzles: 3615
Best Total: 24m 6s | Posted - 2006.05.03 07:59:34
I just tried the puzzle again, and didn't get into any situations where I was stuck, even without using the "Highlander" rule. For me, it was entirely known patterns... lots of 2s with lines coming in one side and leaving the other side, and a few with a cross and a line on one side, and towards the end lots of situations where potential mini-loops could be crossed off. I definitely didn't need to go anywhere near the fix position button!
So I guess there are a few patterns you're missing...? |
astrokath
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 3258
Best Total: 13m 42s | Posted - 2006.05.03 08:21:22
Quote: Originally Posted by foilman I just tried the puzzle again, and didn't get into any situations where I was stuck, |
Yeah, this morning I overlooked one of the 1's. It's all just known patterns.
Last edited by astrokath - 2006.05.03 08:21:43 |
m2e
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 607
Best Total: 16m 43s | Posted - 2006.05.03 08:39:25
maybe wait a week then post how far you could get with only using logic? |
