A New Sudoku Layout with 81 Uniquely Shaped Cells: The Birth of "Cracked Sudoku"

As a long-time enthusiast of Sudoku, I'm thrilled to share with you my latest creation: Cracked Sudoku. This innovative puzzle type has emerged from my daily habit of solving the classic number placement game. What started as a desire for something new and exciting eventually led me to invent a unique layout that not only challenges the mind but also offers an unparalleled solving experience.

So, what is Cracked Sudoku? Simply put, it's a variation of Sudoku where the traditional grid is replaced by 81 uniquely shaped cells. The rules remain largely the same: fill in numbers 1-9 without repeating them within dark-outlined groups or along colored run lines. However, unlike its grid-based counterpart, Cracked Sudoku introduces "runs" – strips of 2 to 9 cells that cannot contain repeated numbers.

Runs are generated based on the cell layout and can connect neighboring cells, extending through opposite sides to form longer runs. The puzzle generator I created uses Voronoi Diagrams to produce these unique layouts, ensuring each run is distinct from others. Human constructors, however, have the freedom to place runs wherever they desire, creating a wide range of possibilities for interesting structures.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cracked Sudoku is the way runs interact with each other. In this image, the green and orange runs cross in more than one cell, demonstrating the complexity and challenge that arises from these unique cells. While my generator has not yet produced a run forming a loop, I'm eager to see what human-designed puzzles might bring to the table.

As an added bonus, I've created a puzzle generator that can produce thousands of Cracked Sudoku puzzles, including daily updates. If you're feeling adventurous, be sure to check out our current puzzle and stay tuned for future updates on my newsletter. Who knows? You might just solve your first Cracked Sudoku puzzle in the process.

A New Frontier in Puzzle-Making

The past decade has seen an explosion of alternative Sudoku rules, from Whisper Lines to Masyu Loop. However, despite this innovation, the layout itself remains relatively stagnant – with 9x9 grids being the norm. Cracked Sudoku aims to shake things up by introducing a new layout that not only changes the solving experience but also opens up possibilities for human constructors to create engaging and challenging puzzles.

With the help of Voronoi Diagrams, I've been able to generate a wide range of unique layouts, each with its own set of runs. But I'm eager to see what human designers can bring to the table. If you're an experienced puzzle constructor looking for a new challenge or simply want to explore the possibilities of Cracked Sudoku, email me at [insert domain] and we'll work together to create something truly special.

Stay tuned for more updates on Cracked Sudoku, and get ready to experience the thrill of solving a puzzle like no other. With thousands of daily puzzles waiting to be solved, you won't want to miss out on this exciting new frontier in puzzle-making.

Try it Out Today!

You can play Cracked Sudoku right here, with a new puzzle every day just like Wordle. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Cracked Sudoku. Who knows? You might just become a part of this exciting new puzzle-making community.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Cracked Sudoku and experience the thrill of solving a unique and challenging puzzle that will keep you on your toes. Happy puzzling!