Puzzle #5

This is a Total Masyu puzzle, a variant of Masyu. In addition to the rules of Masyu, all possible circles have been given; i.e. it is not possible to add any more circles to the grid so that it is consistent with the solution.


Difficulty: hard

Theme: Clue minimalism and logic.

Puz-PRE link. (Note: While a valid solution to this puzzle will be marked as correct, Puz-PRE does not have the "total" constraint programmed in. The solver may incorrectly mark incorrect answers as correct.)

This is one of the most stunning puzzles I've ever made, I think. The break-in is almost completely original (in that I came up with it and then found that it was already used by someone else, like two other break-ins I've "discovered"). While this puzzle still isn't MellowMelon-difficulty (it'll take a long while before I get there!), and it doesn't require excessive trial and error, it's definitely not a Total Masyu for the uninitiated.

EDIT: Twitter user @That_Scar has asked the following question:
@edderiofer Am I stupid or is this pretty easy? [SOLUTION IMAGE REDACTED]
— ThatScar (@That_Scar) September 16, 2016
To this, I respond that I don't consider a logic puzzle to be solved unless one has proven uniqueness of solution. Finding a solution may be easy, but proving that it's unique is the hard part.

3 comments:

  1. This was pretty easy. Interesting though

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    Replies
    1. Easy for you. You don't ever seem to prove uniqueness in your puzzles. :P

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  2. Very nice logical break-in! I learned something new about loop puzzles. :)

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