In clue 8 - Prime cut from sloth reeks - the answer hides in plain sight, as a prime number (three) reads out in slo TH REEks (and can be cut out of it). In clue 6 - Axis revolves without beginning to accelerate - we revolve (aka reverse) axis to spell SIXA, and then drop the A (“without beginning to accelerate”) to spell SIX. In terms of traditional cryptic cluing gimmickry, we see hidden words, anagrams, homophones, word reversals, and more. Now, we’re going to be discussing specific clues and answers from this puzzle, so this is your spoiler warning. That being said, you’ll find lots of traditional cryptic cluing tricks at play here. (Plus, not all of the clues adhere to the standard cryptic cluing mechanic of having both a definition AND a wordplay clue included.) Even when you consider that there are only nine possible answers for each clue, it’s still a challenge. These clues run the gamut of slyly clever to almost baffling. Once you’ve unraveled a clue and placed a number in the grid, standard Sudoku rules apply: that number will only appear once in a row, column, or 3×3 square.īut that’s easier said than done. Instead, you have 81 clues, one for every cell in the grid, utilizing cryptic-style cluing to hint toward which of the nine numbers goes in a given cell. But unlike Sudoku, there are no set letters. Like Sudoku, Cluedoku involves placing the digits 1 through 9 into each row, column, and 3×3 square in the grid. It’s called Cluedoku, and it was created by cryptic constructor Charlie Methven, better known in solving circles as Chameleon, a contributor to British puzzle outlets like The Guardian. Today, we’re taking a look at a puzzle that combines Sudoku with cryptic crosswords (aka British-style crosswords). Wholly original ideas are rare, to be sure, but even a single twist on an old classic can be enjoyable if executed well. getting the gist of the puzzle from a glance), visual aesthetics, and more.Īs a puzzler, it’s always exciting to try out a new puzzle. Whether a puzzle is destined for superstardom or not depends on a lot of factors: difficulty, the type of solving it involves, how intuitive the solving is (i.e. Our friends at Penny Dell Puzzles, for instance, have a popular puzzle called Anagram Magic Square, which combines crossword-style cluing, anagrams, and the mathematical element of a magic square to create an engaging puzzle experience you can solve from several angles. Other times, it’s a combination of different puzzle types that yields something special.

That’s what happened with Sudoku, a puzzle that had been around since the late ’70s, but only rose to prominence decades later. Sometimes, it’s an old idea that gets repackaged and catches fire.

The hunt is always on for the next big puzzle idea.

Color sudoku puzzle