The Guardian has unveiled its latest brain-teasing offering for dedicated puzzle enthusiasts: Killer Sudoku number 1,002. This instalment continues the publication's long-standing tradition of providing a sophisticated twist on the classic number grid game, demanding sharp logic and numerical skill from its solvers.
Understanding the Killer Sudoku Rules
While the foundation of this puzzle rests on normal Sudoku rules, where each row, column, and 3x3 box must contain all digits from 1 to 9 without repetition, the Killer variant introduces a compelling extra layer. The grid features cells grouped within distinctive dotted lines, forming various shapes. The key rule is that the numbers within each of these dotted-line shapes must add up to the small figure provided in the corner of that shape. Furthermore, 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
For those who prefer the tactile experience of pen and paper, a direct link is provided to access the print-friendly version of Killer Sudoku 1,002. This allows solvers to tackle the puzzle away from the screen, a format still cherished by many. The challenge lies in strategically deploying deduction to satisfy both the classic Sudoku conditions and the unique additive requirements of the Killer cages.
Finding the Solutions and Further Puzzles
The Guardian has a clear schedule for revealing solutions. For puzzles published from Monday to Thursday, solvers must buy the next issue of the Guardian newspaper to see the completed grid. For the typically more challenging puzzles released on Friday and Saturday, the solutions are printed in either the Saturday or Monday edition. This system encourages regular engagement with the publication's Life and style section, where these puzzles are prominently featured alongside other Sudoku variations.
This ongoing puzzle series represents a significant commitment to cerebral entertainment. The milestone of puzzle 1,002 underscores its enduring popularity. For those who complete this challenge, The Guardian invites further exploration of its extensive puzzle portfolio, solidifying its role as a key destination for quality logic games in the UK.
