Assassin 53

[Ruud]

I was surprised by the similarities between the solving paths of this V2 and the original. However, SumoCue can handle the original, but not this V2. A little extra power is required to break it. By no means a tag killer, but an interesting challenge for the advanced Killer solver.

Enjoy, Ruud



3x3::k35845635:5635:5635:4614:4614:46142313:6923:5635563530881810:6923:692335973855233069233349:438374572330:5668:5668:5668:5668:4383:7457:7457:7457:74576446:5668:4400:43833122:41482349:6446:6446:44003122:4148:414818556446:54425442:4148:4422:4422:4168:4168:4168:5442:5442:5442:4430:4430:4430:

[Jean-Christophe]

I'm surprised SumoCue could solve the V1 but not the V2 since the V2 does not require more advanced techniques than the V1.

I don't think a template grid with so many innies/outies of 2 cells can the a real hard one. But, if you want a more challenging one, here is a V2.5.

3x3::k:35843584:5635:5635:5635:4358:4358:43583337:4363:56355635:513512964363:4363:53973607:5135:51353090:4363:5397:53973607:7713:51354900:4900:4900:49007713:7713:7713:77135422:490036153634:56842861:5422:542226185684:568423675422:59545954:5684365439125954:5954:59543662

[Para]

Hi all

This was a quick puzzle. But as this is the first of the new assassin year, this one could get some newer players excited.

Walk-through Assassin 53

1. 19(3) in R1C1 = {289/279/469/478/568}: no 1

2. R2C12 = {13} -->> locked for R2 and N1

3. R23C5 and R67C1 = {59/68}: no 1,2,3,4,7

4. 14(4) in R2C7 = {1238/1247/1256/1346/2345}: no 9

5. R2C89 and R67C9 = {49/58/67}: no 1,2,3

6. R34C1 = {26/}/[53/71]: no 8,9; R4C1: no ,5,7

7. R34C6 = {14/23}: no 5,6,7,8,9

8. R34C9 = {29/38/47/56}: no 1

9. 8(3) in R4C5 = {125/134}: no 6,7,8,9; 1 locked for C5 and N5
9a. Clean up: R3C6: no 4

10. R67C4, R78C5 and R8C89 = {39/48/57}: no 1,2,6

11. R8C12 = {16/25/34}: no 7,8,9

12. 45 on R1: 2 outies: R2C46 = 16 = {79}: locked for R2 and N2
12a. R2C89 = {58}: locked for R2 and N3
12b. R23C5 = [68]
12c. Clean up: R4C9: no 3,6; R78C5: no 4
12d. R67C9: no {58}: clashes with R2C9

13. Killer Pair {35} in 8(3) in R4C5 + R7C5 locked for C5
13a. 7 in C5 locked for N8
13b. 9 of C5 locked for N8
13c. Hidden Killer Pair {79} in R78C5 + R9C5 for N8 -->> R9C5 = {79}
13d. Clean up: no 3,5

14. 26(5) in R1C4 = {14579/23579}: 5 locked in R1C46 -->> locked for R1 and N2

15. 8 in R1 locked in 19(3) cage in R1C1
15a.19(3) in R1C1 = {289/478}: no 6
15b. Killer Pair {24} in 19(3) in R1C1 + R1C5 -->> locked for R1
15c. Killer Pair {24} in 19(3) in R1C1 + R2C3 -->> locked for N1
15c. 6 in R1 locked for N3
15d. Clean up: R4C1: no 6; R4C9: no 5

16. 45 on R9: 2 outies: R8C46 = 7 = {16/25/34}: no 8

17. 45 on N1: 2 outies: R4C12 = 10 = [19/28/37] -->> R4C2 = {789}

18. 45 on N3: 2 outies: R4C89 = [18/27/54/72]: R4C8: no 3,4,6,8; R4C9: no 9
18a. Clean up: R3C9: no 2

19. 14(4) in R2C7 = {1247/2345}: {24} locked in 14(4)
19a. 4 in 14(4) locked for N3
19b. 2 in N3 locked for 14(4): R4C8: no 2
19c. Clean up: R4C9: no 7

20. 45 on N7: 2 outies: R6C12 = 13 = {58}/[67/94]: R6C2: no 1,2,3,6,9

21. 45 on N9: 2 outies: R6C89 = 10 = [19/37/46/64]: R6C8: no 2,5,7,8,9

22. 45 on N2: 2 innies: R3C46 = 5 = {23}/[41] -->> R3C4: no 1

23. 45 on N8: 2 innies: R7C46 = 9 = [36/45/54/81] -->> R7C6: no 2,3,8

24. 45 on R1234: 2 innies : R4C57 = 13 = [49/58]: R4C5 = {45}; R4C7 = {89}
24a. Clean up: R56C5: no 4,5

25. 45 on R6789: 2 innies: R6C35 = 3 = {12} -->> locked for R6
25a. Clean up: R6C9: no 9(step 21); R7C9: no 4

26. 45 on C789: 3 outies: R567C6 = 19 = {469/478/568}: no 1,2,3
26a. 45 on C789: 1 outie – 1 innie: R5C6 – R6C7 = 3: Max R5C6 = 9 -->> Max R6C7 = 6; Min R6C7 = 3 -->> Min R5C6 = 6: R5C6 = {6789}; R6C7 = {3456}
26b. 16(3) in R6C6 = {349/358/367/457}: needs 1 of {789}: only option for {789} is R6C6 -->> R6C6 = {789}
26c. Only place for 3 is R6C7 -->> R6C7: no 6
26d. Clean up: R5C6: no 9; R7C4: no 8; R6C4: no 4

27. Killer Triple {789} in R6C12 + R6C4 + R6C6 -->> locked for R6
27a. Clean up : R6C8: no 3; R7C9: no 6

28. Naked Pair {46} -->> locked for R6 and N6
28a. Clean up: R3C9: no 7; R4C8: no 5; R5C6: no 7; R6C1: no 9; R6C2: no 7; R7C1: no 5,8

29. Naked Pair {58} in R6C12 -->> locked for R6 and N4
29a. R6C7 = 3; R5C6 = 6; R9C6 = 8(hidden); R4C3 = 6(hidden)
29b. Clean up: R4C1: no 2; R3C1: no 6; R7C4: no 3,4
29c. R67C4 = [75]; R67C6 = [94]; R2C46 = [97]; R1C6 = 5(hidden); R4C5 = 5
29d. R4C7 = 8; R34C9 = [92]; R34C6 = [23]; R34C4 = [34]; R34C1 = [71]
29e. R2C12 = [31]; R1C45 = [14]; R3C23 = [65]; R4C8 = 7; R4C2 = 9
29f. R2C3 = 4; R2C7 = 2; R6C3 = 2; R5C4 = 8; R5C1 = 4; R56C5 = [21]
29g. R8C6 = 1; R67C9 = [67]; R6C8 = 4; R3C78 = [41]; R1C789 = [763]

30. R8C89 = [84](last remaining combination)
30a. R78C5 = {39}: locked for N8
30b. R8C12 = {25}: locked for R8 and N7
And finally all singles.

greetings

Para

[Para]

Hi all

With the practise of V1, this one goes smoothly.

Walk-through Assassin 53V2

1. R2C12, R34C9, R67C1 and R78C5 = {18/27/36/45}: no 9

2. 27(4) in R2C3 = {3789/4689/5679}: no 1,2

3. R23C5 = {59/68}: no 1,2,3,4,7

4. R2C89 = {39/48/57}: no 1,2,6

5. R34C1, R34C6 and R8C12 = {16/25/34}: no 7,8,9

6. R67C4 = {89} -->> locked for C4

7. R67C9 = {13} -->> locked for C9
7a. Clean up: R2C8: no 9; R34C9: no 6,8

8. R8C89 = {89} -->> locked for R8 and N9
8a. Clean up: R7C5: no 1

9. 17(3) in R9C7 = {467} -->> locked for R9 and N9

10. 16(3) in R9C1 = {259/358}: no 1; 5 locked for R9 and N7
10a. 1 in R9 locked for N8
10b. Clean up: R7C5: no 8; R8C12: no 2; R6C1: no 4

11. 45 on C5: 2 innies: R19C5 = 5 = {23}/[41] -->> R1C5 = {234}; R9C5 = {123}

12. 45 on R9: 3 innies: R9C456 = 12 = {129/138} -->> R9C6 = {89}(only place for {89})
12a. Naked Pair {89} in R7C4 + R9C6 -->> locked for N8
12b. 45 on R9: 2 outies: R8C46 = 9 = {27/45}: ({36} clashes with R8C12): no {36}

13. 45 on N3: 2 outies: R4C89 = 9 = {27/45}: R4C8: no 1,3,6,8,9

14. 45 on N1: 2 outies: R4C12 = 12 = [39/48] ([57] clashes with R4C89); R4C1 = {34}; R4C2 = {89}
14a. Clean up: R3C1 = {34}
14b. Naked Pair {34} in R34C1 -->> locked for C1
14c. Clean up: R8C2: no 3,4
14d. Naked Pair {16} in R8C12 -->> locked for R8 and N7
14e. Clean up: R2C2: no 5,6; R6C1: no 5,6,8; R7C5: no 3

15. 45 on N7: 2 outies: R6C12 = 12 = [75]
15a. R7C1 = 2
15b. 16(3) in R9C1 = {358} -->> locked for R9 and N7
15c. R9C6 = 9; R67C4 = [98]

16. Naked Pair {12} in R9C45 -->> locked for N8
16a. R8C46 = {45} (step 12b) -->> locked for R8 and N8
16b. R8C3 = 7; R78C5 = [63]; R7C6 = 7; R8C7 = 2
16c. R19C5 = [41] (step 11); R9C4 = 2
16d. R23C5 = {59} -->> locked for C5 and N2
16e. R456C5 = {278} -->> locked for N5
16f. Clean up: R2C2: no 2,7

17. 45 on N9: 2 outies: R6C89 = 9 = [63/81]; R6C8 = {68}

18. 45 on R6789: 2 innies: R6C35 = {28} -->> locked for R6
18a. R6C89 = [63]; R7C9 = 1

19. 45 on R1234: 2 innies: R4C57 = 13 = [85]
19a. R4C12 = [39]; R3C1 = 4; R56C5= [72]; R6C3 = 8; R7C78 = [35]; R7C23 = [49]
19b. Naked Pair {16} in R58C1 -->> locked for C1
19c. R2C12 = [81](last possible combination); R9C123 = [583]; R8C12 = [16]
19d. R1C1 = 9; R5C12 = [62]
19e. Clean up: R4C89: no 4; R2C8: no 4 ; R2C9: no 4,7; R3C9: no 5

Now it is all singles:
20. R2C7 = 4(hidden); R6C67 = [41]; R4C3 = 4(hidden); R5C3 = 1; R5C46 = [53]; R8C46 = [45]
20a. R1C3 = 2(hidden); R1C2 = 3; R3C2 = 7; R34C9 = [27]; R4C8 = 2;
20b. R2C6 = 2(hidden), R1C6 =8(hidden); R1C9 = 5(hidden); R2C89 = [39]
20c. R8C89 = [98]; R5C789 = [984]; R9C789 = [746]; R23C5 = [59]
20d. R23C3 = [65]; R1C78 = [67]; R12C4 = [17]; R34C4 = [36]; R34C6 = [61]; R3C78 = [81]

I'm surprised SumoCue could solve the V1 but not the V2 since the V2 does not require more advanced techniques than the V1.

This is mostly because Sumocue misses one elimination because it is made between 2 hidden cages. I never seen Sumocue makes these types of eliminations. If you make this elimination Sumocue can solve the rest.

greetings

Para

[Jean-Christophe]

I see now. Thanks for the info.

Grouping some cages can make it real hard to solve. I made this V3 which upcoming-not-yet-released version of JSudoku could solve by logic.



3x3::k:4096:4096:4096:5123:5123:5123:4102:4102:41021289:5899:5123:6992:5123:4623:6737:67375899:58996992:6992:4623:4623:6737589928376992:4641:4623:6737:6948:6948:6948:69484641:4641:4641:4641:64826948:57115170:5170:542864823630:5711:5711:5170:5428:54286482:64826210:5711:6210:5428288639126210:6210:62103406

[CathyW]

Here's my V1 walkthrough:

1. Cage 4(2) r2c12 = {13}, not elsewhere in N1, r2 -> r4c1 <> 7,5.

2. Cage 8(3) r456c5 must have 1, not elsewhere in N5, c5 -> r3c6 <> 4.

3. Outies r1: r2c46 = 16 = {79}, not elsewhere in N2, r2 -> 13(2) at r2c89 = {58} not elsewhere in N3, r2 -> r2c5 = 6, r3c5 = 8 -> r2c37 = {24}, 19(3) at r1c123 must have 8, 12(2) at r78c5 = {39/57}, 13(2) at r67c9 <> {58}. Clean up r4c9 <> 6, 3

4 a) If 12(2) at r78c5 = {57} -> r9c5 = 9, 8(3) = {134} -> r1c5 = 2
b) If 12(2) at r78c5 = {39} -> r9c5 = 7, 8(3) = {125} -> r1c5 = 4
-> r9c5 = 7/9, r1c5 = 2/4 -> 7 and 9 locked to r789c5, not elsewhere in N8 -> r6c4 <> 3,5

5. Innies N2: r3c46 = 5 = [41]/{23} -> r1c456 must have 5, not elsewhere in r1 -> 5 locked to r3c123.

6. Outies N1: r4c12 = 10 = [19/28/37/64]

7. Outies N3: r4c89 = 9 = [18]/{45/27} -> r3c9 <> 2

8. Innies N8: r7c46 = 9 = [36/81]/{45}

9. Outies N7: r6c12 = 13 = [94/67]/{58}

10. Outies N9: r6c89 = 10 = [19/37]/{46}

11. Innies r1234: r4c57 = 13 = [49/58] -> split 9(2) at r4c89 <> [54] -> r3c9 <> 6,7

12. Innies r6789: r6c35 = 3 = {12}, not elsewhere in r6 -> 8(3) at r456c5 = 5{12}/[431] (r5c5 <> 4,5), r6c9 <> 9 -> r7c9 <> 4

13. Outies r9: r8c46 = 7 = {16/25/34} -> r8c357 = 19 (cannot have 1) -> either r8c12 or r8c46 = {16} -> r8c357 <> 6

14. Innies r9: r9c456 = 17 (must have 7 or 9, not both) -> Combination options are 7/{28/46}, 9/{26}-> r9c46 <> 3,5

15. Outies – Innies N4: r5c4 – r4c3 = 2 -> r4c3 is max 7, r5c4 is min 3

16. Outies – Innies N6: r5c6 – r6c7 = 3 -> r5c6 = 6/7/8/9, r6c7 = 3/4/5/6

17. Killer combination: 19(3) r1c123 = {289/478}, r2c3 = 2/4 -> 2,4 not in r3c123 -> r4c1 <> 6 -> r4c2 <> 4

18. Killer combinations: split 9(2) r4c89 = [18]/{27} -> split 10(2) r4c12 <> [28] -> r3c1 <> 6
-> NP {13} in r24c1, not elsewhere in c1 -> r8c2 <> 6,4
-> split 10(2) or split 9(2) in r4 must contain 1, not elsewhere in r4
-> split 10(2) or split 9(2) in r4 must contain 7, not elsewhere in r4

19. Combinations for 24(4) at r23c3+r34c2: 2679/4569 -> must have 6 which is locked to r3c23, not elsewhere in r3 -> 16(3) r1c789 must have 6 {169/367}.

20. Combinations for 13(3) at r3c4+ r4c34 = {238/256/346}
a) if {238}, r4c34 contains 8 -> r4c89 = {27}, r4c12 = [19] -> Conflict with r4c7 -> r4c34 <> 8
b) if {256}, r4c34 contains {56}, r4c5 = 4, … OK
c) if {346}, r4c34 contains 6, … OK
-> 13(3) = {256/346} -> r4c34 <> 2

21. 2 locked to r23c7+r3c8 of 14(4)/N3 -> r4c8 <> 2 -> r4c9 <> 7 -> r3c9 <> 4

22. 8 locked to r4c79, not elsewhere in N6

23. a) If 13(3) at r3c4+r4c34 = {256} -> r3c4 = 2, r1c5 = 4, r4c5 = 5 -> Conflict!
b) If 13(3) at r3c4+r4c34 = {346} -> r3c4 <> 2, r4c34 <> 5, r4c5 = 5 OK
-> r4c5 = 5, r56c5 = {12} -> r1c5 = 4, r3c4 = 3, r1c46 = {15}, r3c6 = 2, r4c6 = 3, r4c1 = 1, r3c1 = 7, … All singles and straightforward cage combinations.

I have tried really hard this time to include all the "not elsewhere in ..." so it's absolutely clear but no doubt someone will tell me if I've missed one! Seriously - I am grateful for comments and suggested edits if required.

[sudokuEd]

Grouping some cages can make it real hard to solve. ... this V3

Agree - and really enjoyed it. But am kicking myself with how easy it is to crack open once you see how. Took hours to see some 'obvious' () contradiction moves.

Here are just the opening moves that make it more manageable. Lots more steps to go yet of course, but don't have time now. Will finish later - unless someone wants to play tag walk-through with me.

Assassin 53V3
1. "45" r6789: r6c35 = 6 = h6(2)r6 = {15/24}
1a. = [4/5]

2. "45" n7: r6c12 = 9 = h9(2)
2a. no 9

3. "45" n9: r6c89 = 9 = h9(2)
3a. no 9

4. "45" n8: r6c467 = 21 = h21(3)r6
4a. must have 9 for r6
4b. = 9{48/57}(no 1236)
4c. = [4/5]

5. Killer Pair 4/5 in h21(3)r6 and h5(2)r6
5a. 4 and 5 locked for r6

6. "45" n3: r4c89 = 15 = h15(2)
6a. = {69/78}

7. "45" n369: r5c6 + 3 = r6c7
7a. r5c6 = 1,2,4,5,6

8. 4 and 5 cannot be in r5c6. Here's how.
8a. 4 or 5 in r5c6 -> only place for 4/5 in n6 is in r6c7
8b. but this is impossible since r5c6 + 3 = r6c7 = 7/8(step 7)
8c. -> no 4 or 5 in r5c6
8d. -> no 7/8 r6c7 (step 7)

9. 1 cannot be in r5c6. Here's how.
9a. 1 in r5c6 -> 4 in r6c7 (step 7) and 1 in n6 in r6c89. = {14}
9b. but this clashes with h6(2) r6 = [1/4]
9c. no 1 r5c6
9d. no 4 r6c7

10. 2 cannot be in r5c6. You've probably guessed how by now.
10a. 2 in r5c6 -> r6c7 = 5 (step 7) and 2 for n6 in r6c89 = {25}
10b. but this clashes with h6(2)r6 = [2/5]
10c. no 2 r5c6

11. r5c6 = 6, r6c7 = 9 (step 7)

[Para]

Hi Ed

That is about the same opening i used for the puzzle. Just a bit comprimised. It wasn't as hard as the line "the new JSudoku can solve it" make it look .
Too lazy to keep a walk-through. Already made 2 for this week.

greetings

Para

[Jean-Christophe]

Well done guys But don't tease me too much Here is a V0.1 which the new JSudoku can't solve by logic



3x3::k:4096:4096:4096:5891:5891:589130784691:4691:5131:5891:6480:58917249:7249:4691:5131:51316480:64803855:7249:4691:513130936480:77137249:6948:6948:6948:69487713:7713:7713:7713:5458:5934:6948:5199363451725458:5934:5934:5199:51995172:51725458:5458:5934:8002:5199:8002:5172315621208002:8002:8002:4686:4686:4686:

[Para]

Well done guys But don't tease me too much

No teasing, just showing off

Para

ps. Could you solve it??

[sudokuEd]

Hi all.
Been thinking about how we are going as a forum. Things are really taking off with lots of new forum members, posters and puzzles. Lots of great stuff!! Now comes the 'but'.

We've had two extremes last week. Andrews follow-up of a puzzle months old (SampuZ4), since he likes each puzzle on this forum to have a walk-through. On the other hand, Assassin 53 + 3 versions within 24 hours and a 4th thrown in for good measure even before all the previous 3 have been solved. The pace has certainly picked up! Lots of puzzles gives lots of free choice and decisions.

But, there are also negatives in having a number of versions of the one puzzle. Personally, I like one really hard extra version - though understand the need to cater for a wide audience. Hence, thanks to Ruud & Para for posting A53V2 + walk-through.

But no one has posted about Jean-Christophe's V2.5 or V0.1. I don't like puzzles having no response. But it shows that we probably had too many versions this week and in hindsight, didn't need those two.

I really value the (mainly) hand-solving ethic of this forum, including that we are mostly working on the same puzzles. Too many versions, (especially if they have not been hand-solved first - Ruud excluded of course!) doesn't fit in with this ethos in my opinion. We could burn out or lose too much of the group feeling. I enjoy you guys too much to risk that.

I'm not suggesting putting a number figure on how many versions/puzzles per week. But am asking that we think about the (slower?) pace of this forum before posting a puzzle.

Thanks
Ed

[sudokuEd]

Well done guys

Thanks!

Here is the complete walk-through to Assassin 53V3 - a really tough one. After the early breakthrough contradictions moves, some difficult hurdles remain. There were so many bi-value cells that felt sure one of those fun fishy moves would be there. Just couldn't find it. Had to use one tricky combination move to crack it in the end (step 38b,39).

Please let me know of any corrections or improvements. Thanks.
Ed

Assassin 53 V3
1. "45" r6789: r6c35 = 6 = h6(2)r6 = {15/24}
1a. = [4/5]

2. "45" n7: r6c12 = 9 = h9(2)n4
2a. no 9

3. "45" n9: r6c89 = 9 = h9(2)n6
3a. no 9

4. "45" n8: r6c467 = 21 = h21(3)r6
4a. must have 9 for r6
4b. = 9{48/57}(no 1236)
4c. = [4/5]

5. Killer Pair 4/5 in h21(3)r6 and h5(2)r6
5a. 4 and 5 locked for r6

6. "45" n3: r4c89 = 15 = h15(2)n6
6a. = {69/78}

7. "45" n369: r5c6 + 3 = r6c7
7a. r5c6 = 1,2,4,5,6

8. 4 and 5 cannot be in r5c6. Here's how.
8a. 4 or 5 in r5c6 -> only place for 4/5 in n6 is in r6c7
8b. but this is impossible since r5c6 + 3 = r6c7 = 7/8(step 7)
8c. -> no 4 or 5 in r5c6
8d. -> no 7/8 r6c7 (step 7)

9. 1 cannot be in r5c6. Here's how.
9a. 1 in r5c6 -> 4 in r6c7 (step 7) and 1 in n6 in r6c89.
9b. -> r6c789 = {14}
9c. but this clashes with h6(2) r6 = [1/4..]
9d. no 1 r5c6
9e. no 4 r6c7 (step 7)

10. 2 cannot be in r5c6. You've probably guessed how by now.
10a. 2 in r5c6 -> r6c7 = 5 (step 7) and 2 for n6 in r6c89
10b. -> r6c789 = {25}
10c. but this clashes with h6(2)r6 = [2/5..]
10d. no 2 r5c6

11. r5c6 = 6, r6c7 = 9 (step 7)
11a. split-cage 11(2)r6c6 = [83]/{47}
11b. r6c6 = 478, r6c7 = 347

12. split-cage 12(4)r4c7 = {1245}: all locked for n6

13. h15(2)n6 = {78}: both locked for n6 & r4

14. r6c89 = {36}: both locked for r6

15. 9(2)r6c9 = {36}: both locked for c9

16. "45" r1234: r4c57 = 7 = h7(2)r4
16a. = {25}/[34], r4c5 = 235, r4c7 no 1
16b. -> 1 in n6 only in r5: 1 locked for r5

17. "45" n8: r6c46 = 12 = {48}/[57](no 7 r6c4)
17a. = [4/7..]

18. 13(3)n6 = [391/571/382] ({247} blocked by r6c46 step 17a)
18a. r4c5 = {35}, r5c5 = {789}, r6c5 = {12}
18b. r6c3 = {45} (h6(2)r6)
18c. r4c7 = {24} (h7(2)r4)

19. 5 in n6 only in r5: 5 locked for r5

20. 27(5)n4 = 5{...}
20a. ->r6c3 = 5

21. r6c5 = 1 (h6(2)r5)
21a. r45c5 = [39/57](no 8)
21b. 8 in r5 only in split-cage 22(4)r5c1 = 8{239/347}

22. r6c12 = h9(2) = {27}: both locked for n4, r6

23. r6c46 = naked pair {48}: both locked for n5
23. r67c6 = [83/47]

24. "45" n147: r5c4 - 1 = r4c3
24a. r5c4 = {27}, r4c3 = {16}

25. "45" n1: r4c12 = 10 = [91]/{46} (no 3)

26. 2 in n5 only in c4: 2 locked for c4

27. "45" n2: 3 outies r4c346 = 13 = [139/625] ([652] blocked by no 1 or 2 in a 27(4) cage: or blocked by combinations for 11(3)r3c4)
27a. r4c4={23}, r4c6 = {59}

28. "45" n2: r4c6 - 2 = r3c4
28a. r3c4 = {37}

29. naked triple {237} r345c4: all locked for c4

30. 5(2)n1 = {14/23}
30a. = [3/4..]

31. "45" r1: 2 outies r2c46 = 7 = h7(2)n2
31a. = [61/52] ([43] blocked by 5(2)n1 step 30a)

32. 27(4)n2: no 1 or 2 and must have 9
32a. ->no 9 r1c6
32b. ->20(5)n2 must have 1&2 for n2 = 12{359/368/458/467}
32c. -> r1c456 = 13 (because of h7(2)n2 step 31a)
32d. = {139/238/148/247}(no 5,6)

33. 27(4)n2 must have 5/6 for n2 (only other place in n2 apart from r2c4)
33a. 27(4) = {4689/5679} = 69{48/57}(no 3)
33b. 6 in this cage only in n2 and c5: 6 locked for n2 & c5
33c. no 9 r1c6

34. r2c46 = [52]
34a. r1c456 = {139/148}(no 7) = [3/8,3/4..]

35. 5(2)n1 = {14}: both locked for r2 & n1

36. 1 in r3 only in n3 in 18(3)
36a. 1 locked for n3
36b. 18(3) must have 1 and 7/8 (r4c8)
36c. = 1{278/368/467}(no 5,9) ({1458} blocked by 1,4,5 only in r3c78)
36d. only combo with both 7 & 8 in {1278} with {12} only in r3c78
36e. all other combo's = 7/8, not both -> only in r4c8
36f. ->no 7 or 8 r3c78

37. 16(3)n1 = {259/268/367} ({358} blocked by r1c456 step 34a)

38. 26(4)n3 = {2789/4679/5678} (no 3) ({3689} blocked by 3,6 only in r2c8: {4589} blocked by 4,5 only in r3c9)
38a. 26(4) = [2/4/5] not more than 1 off -> r3c9 = {245}
38b. r2c89 + r3c9 = {79}[2]/{89}[2]/[694]/[685]/[675]

39. 16(3)n3 = {367/457} ({259/268} blocked by r2c89 + r3c9 step 38b: {349/358} blocked by r1c456} step 34a)
39a. 16(3) = 7{36/45} (no 2,8,9)
39b. 7 locked for n3, r1

40. 16(3)n1 = {259/268} = 2{59/68}(no 3)
40a. 2 locked n1

41. 11(2)n1 = [74/56]
41a. r3c1 = {57}, r4c1 = {46}

42. "45" n1: r4c2 + 1 = r3c1
42a. r4c2 = {46}

43. r4c6 = 9 (hsingle r4)
43a. split cage 18(3)r2c5 = {468}: all locked for n2

44. Naked pair {46} r4c12: both locked for r4

45. r45c5 = [57], r45c4 = [32], r4c3 = 1, r4c7 = 2, r3c4 = 7

46. 11(2)n1 = [56], r4c2 = 4, r2c12 = [41]

47. naked pair {48} r36c6: both locked for c6

48. r1c456 = {139}: all locked for r1

49. 16(3)n1 = {268}: all locked for n1 and r1

50. r2c3 = 7 (hsingle n1)

51. r3c23 = {39}: both locked for r3

52. 16(3)n3 = {457}: all locked for n3

53. 26(4)n3 = [2]789}
53a. r4c9 = 7 (only 7 available in cage)

54. 14(4)r6c2 = {2345} (only valid combo)
54a. r67c2 = [25]
54b. r78c3 = {34}: both locked for n7 & c3

55. "45" r9: r8c46 = 7 = [61] ([43] blocked by r8c3)

the rest are singles and last valid combo's

[Andrew]

Some interesting thoughts from Ed. If there are too many variants each week then people will limit the number of puzzles that they try to solve. For Assassin 53 I've solved Ruud's original and am part way through his V2. I probably won't try the other ones as they are clearly much harder and because we now have Assassin 54. I'm pleased to see that Ed then posted his walkthrough for J-C's V3. I'll try to find time to look at that.

Since we don't want to discourage any forum member from posting variants, I would suggest that anyone except Ruud should limit themselves to one variant each week.

One other point. I only attempt variants and extra puzzles that have diagrams posted. I expect those who are using SumoCue import puzzles using the code string. Even so I would think that people are more likely to be tempted to try a puzzle when they can see a diagram first.

I'll be interested to see what other group members think.

[Andrew]

A belated walkthrough for Assassin 53 V1. Because I'd been busy on my walkthrough for SampuZ4, including working through the tag solution and Ed's condensed walkthrough for the V2 of that puzzle, I only finished Assassin 53 yesterday and then worked through Para's and Cathy's walkthroughs.

All three of us had fairly similar solution paths but still had different steps or different ways at looking at them.

I missed Para's 3 outies from C789 and Cathy's killer combinations in R4. It's possible that those two steps, plus the corresponding ones for C123 and R6, may be more important for V2. Since I haven't yet finished that puzzle, I haven't worked through Para's walkthrough for it but noticed his comment about interaction between 2 hidden cages which I'll take as a hint when I try to finish V2.

Here is my walkthrough for V1. I could have used Cathy's killer pairs after step 34a. Those eliminations were done a different way in step 37.

1. R2C12 = {13}, locked for R2 and N1

2. R23C5 = {59/68}

3. R2C89 = {49/58/67}, no 2

4. R34C1 = {26}/[53/71]

5. R34C6 = {14/23}

6. R34C9 = {29/38/47/56}, no 1

7. R67C1 = {59/68}

8. R67C4 = {39/48/57}, no 1,2,6

9. R67C9 = {49/58/67}, no 1,2,3

10. R78C5 = {39/48/57}, no 1,2,6

11. R8C12 = {16/25/34}, no 7,8,9

12. R8C89 = {39/48/57}, no 1,2,6

13. R456C5 = 1{25/34}, 1 locked for C5 and N5, clean-up: no 4 in R3C6
13a. If R456C5 = {125} => R23C5 = {68};
....... if R456C5 = {134} => R78C5 = {57} => R23C5 = {68}
....... -> R23C5 = {68}, locked for C5 and N2, clean-up: no 4 in R78C5

14. 14(4) cage at R2C7 = {1238/1247/1256/1346/2345}, no 9

15. 45 rule on C5 2 innies R19C5 = 11 = {29/47}, no 3,5

16. 45 rule on R1 2 outies R2C46 = 16 = {79}, locked for R2 and N2, clean-up: no 4,6 in R2C89, no 2,4 in R9C5 (step 15)
16a. Naked pair {58} in R2C89, locked for R2 and N3 -> R23C5 = [68], clean-up: no 3,6 in R4C9
16b. Killer pair 7/9 in R78C5 and R9C5, locked for N8, clean-up: no 3,5 in R6C4

17. R2C46 = 16 (step 16) -> R1C456 = 10 = 5{14/23}, 5 locked for R1 and N2
17a. R1C5 = {24} -> no 2,4 in R1C46

18. 45 rule on R9 2 outies R8C46 = 7 = {16/25/34}, no 8
18a. R9C456 = 17 with R9C5 = {79} = {269/278/359/467} (cannot be {179} because 7,9 only in R9C5), no 1

19. 45 rule on N1 2 outies R4C12 = 10 = [19/28/37/64]

20. 45 rule on N3 2 outies R4C89 = 9, no 9, no 3,6,8 in R4C9, clean-up: no 2 in R3C9

21. 45 rule on N7 2 outies R6C12 = 13 = {58}/[67/94]

22. 45 rule on N9 2 outies R6C89 = 10 = [19/28/37]/{46}, clean-up: no 8 in R7C9

23. 45 rule on R1234 2 innies R4C57 = 13 = [49/58]
23a. R456C5 (step 13) = 1{25/34} -> no 4,5 in R56C5
23b. No {45} in R4C89 (clashes with R4C5), clean-up: no 6,7 in R3C9

24. 45 rule on R6789 2 innies R6C35 = 3 = {12}, locked for R6, clean-up: no 8,9 in R6C9 (step 22), no 4,5 in R7C9

25. 45 rule on N2 2 innies R3C46 = 5 = {23}/[41]

26. 45 rule on N8 2 innies R7C46 = 9 = [36]/{45}/[81]

27. 45 rule on R89 3 innies R8C357 = 19 = {289/379/469/478/568}, no 1
27a. R8C89 must contain 7/8/9 -> R8C357 must contain two of 7/8/9 = {289/379/478}, no 6
[Alternatively either R8C12 or R8C46 must be {16} -> no 1,6 in R8C357]

28. 45 rule on C123 1 outie R5C4 – 2 = 1 innie R4C3, no 2 in R5C4, no 8,9 in R4C3

29. 45 rule on C789 1 outie R5C6 – 3 = 1 innie R6C7, no 2,3,4,5 in R5C6, no 7,8,9 in R6C7

30. 16(3) cage at R6C6 = {169/349/358/367/457} (cannot be {178} because 7,8 only in R6C6)
30a. No 7,8,9 in R6C7 or R7C6 -> R6C6 = {789}

31. 45 rule on R4, R4C12 = 10 (step 19), R4C57 = 13 (step 23) and R4C89 = 9 (step 20) -> 3 innies R4C346 = 13 = {139/148/238/247/256/346} (cannot be {157} because no 1,5,7 in R4C6)

32. 45 rule on R6, R6C12 = 13 (step 21), R6C35 = 3 (step 24) and R6C89 = 10 (step 22) -> 3 innies R6C467 = 19 = {379/469/478} (cannot be {568} because 5,6 only in R6C7) [3/4, 6/7, 8/9], no 5
32a. R6C467 contains 8/9 -> R6C12 must contain 8/9 -> no 6,7 in R6C12, clean-up: no 8 in R7C1
32b. Killer pair 3/4 in R6C467 and R6C89, locked for R6, clean-up: no 9 in R6C1 (step 21), no 5 in R7C1
32c. 6 in R6 locked in R6C789, locked for N6

33. Naked pair {58} in R6C12, locked for R6 and N4, clean-up: no 2 in R4C1 (step 19), no 6 in R3C1, no 7 in R5C4 (step 28), no 4 in R7C4, no 5 in R7C6 (step 26)
33a. R6C467 (step 32) = {379/469} = 9{37/46}, 9 locked in R6C46 for N5, clean-up: no 7 in R4C3 (step 28)
33b. 6 only in R6C7 -> no 4 in R6C7
33c. 3 in R6 locked in R6C78, locked for N6
33d. Naked pair {79} in R26C6, locked for C6

34. 24(4) cage at R2C3 = {2679/4569} = 69{27/45}, 6 locked in R3C23, locked for R3 and N1
34a. R2C3 = {24} -> no 2,4 in rest of 24(4) cage, clean-up: no 6 in R4C1 (step 19), no 2 in R3C1
34b. R1C123 = 8{29/47}

35. 6 in R1 locked in R1C789
35a. R1C789 = 6{19/37}, no 2,4
[Alternatively killer pair 2/4 in R1C123 and R1C5, locked for R1]

36. 2 in N3 locked in 14(4) cage -> no 2 in R4C8, clean-up: no 7 in R4C9 (step 20), no 4 in R3C9
36a. 14(4) cage (step 14) = {1247}, no 3
[Alternatively killer pair 3/9 in R1C789 and R3C9, locked for N3]

37. 6 in R4 locked in R4C34, 13(3) cage at R3C4 = 6{25/34}, no 1,7,8
37a. 5 only in R4C4 and only other 6 in R4C3 -> no 2 in R4C34
37b. Clean-up: no 3,4 in R5C4 (step 28)

38. 5 in R4 locked in R4C45, locked for N5, clean-up: no 3 in R4C3 (step 28)
38a. Naked pair {68} in R5C46, locked for R5 and N5

39. R4C3 = 6 (hidden single in R4) -> R5C3 = 8 (step 28), R5C6 = 6, R6C7 = 3 (step 29), R9C6 = 8 (hidden single in C6), clean-up: no 4 in R6C4, no 3 in R7C4, no 1 in R7C6 (both step 26) -> R7C46 = [54], R6C46 = [79], R2C46 = [97], clean-up: no 7 in R78C5, no 6 in R7C9

40. Naked pair {46} in R6C89, locked for N6

41. Naked pair {39} in R78C5, locked for C5 and N8 -> R9C5 = 7, R1C5 = 4 (step 15), R4C5 = 5, clean-up: no 1 in R3C6 (step 25)

42. Naked pair {12} in R56C5, locked for N5 -> R34C6 = [23], R34C4 = [34] -> R4C1 = 1, R3C1 = 7, R2C12 = [31], R4C8 = 7, R4C2 = 9, R4C7 = 8, R4C9 = 2, R3C9 = 9, R3C23 = [65], R1C46 = [15], R8C6 = 1, R6C3 = 2, R5C1 = 4, R2C3 = 4, R2C7 = 2, R56C5 = [21], R7C9 = 7, R6C9 = 6, R6C8 = 4, R3C8 = 1, R3C7 = 4, R1C9 = 3, R1C8 = 6, R1C7 = 7, clean-up: no 6 in R8C1, no 3,4 in R8C2, no 3,5,9 in R8C8, no 5,8 in R8C9 -> R8C89 = [84], R2C89 = [58], R5C8 = 9
[R1C6 had been a hidden single for a few steps but I decided to go with the more obvious naked pairs and resulting naked singles.]

43. Naked pair {25} in R8C12, locked for R8 and N7

and the rest is naked singles

[Para]

53 V2.5 is properly solvable(typical assassin difficulty). I just don't feel like making a walk-through for every puzzle i solve. Solved that one just sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the end result.
For the 53V0.1 i still have no clue on how to advance. I did the basics and am stuck. I'll post my progress tomorrow and maybe someone will have a Eureka moment and solve it.

Para