The Guardian has unveiled its latest brain-teasing challenge for puzzle enthusiasts across the UK: Killer Sudoku number 1,005. This edition continues the publication's long-standing tradition of offering a sophisticated twist on the classic number grid, demanding both strategic thinking and arithmetic skill from its solvers.
The Rules of the Game
While the foundational normal Sudoku rules apply—requiring solvers to fill the grid so that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 without repetition—this variant introduces an extra layer of complexity. The puzzle features cells grouped within distinctive dotted lines, each forming a unique shape. The key rule is that the numbers within each of these dotted-line shapes must add up to the small figure printed in the corner. Crucially, just as with the standard Sudoku constraints, no number can be repeated within any single dotted-line shape.
How to Access and Solve the Puzzle
Readers keen to take on this logical test can click through to access the print-friendly version of the puzzle online. For those who prefer the tactile experience of pen and paper, the puzzle is featured in the physical edition of the newspaper. The Guardian has also outlined its solution policy: to check your work for puzzles published from Monday to Thursday, you will need to buy the next issue of the Guardian. Solutions for the typically more challenging Friday and Saturday puzzles are provided in either the Saturday or Monday edition, ensuring dedicated solvers can always verify their answers.
A Staple of Lifestyle and Leisure
This puzzle falls under the newspaper's 'Life and style' coverage, highlighting its role as a beloved leisure activity and mental workout for countless readers. It sits alongside the regular Sudoku, inviting solvers to explore more on these topics and engage with a community of like-minded puzzle fans. The consistent numbering, now at 1,005, is a testament to the enduring popularity and demanding nature of the Killer Sudoku format.
Whether you're a seasoned logic puzzle veteran or looking for a new cognitive challenge, Killer Sudoku 1,005 promises to deliver a satisfying and intricate test of your numerical and deductive prowess. Grab a pencil, study the dotted cages, and prepare to immerse yourself in this quintessential Guardian pastime.
