The Guardian has unveiled the latest instalment in its popular puzzle series, releasing Killer Sudoku number 1,003. This brain-teasing grid offers a stimulating challenge for logic enthusiasts, blending traditional number placement with an extra layer of arithmetic complexity.
Understanding the Rules of Killer Sudoku
While the foundation of the puzzle rests on the normal rules of Sudoku, a unique and demanding twist elevates the difficulty. The standard Sudoku rules apply, meaning each row, column, and 3x3 box must contain all digits from 1 to 9 without repetition.
The defining feature of the Killer variant is the presence of cells grouped within dotted lines, known as 'cages'. The numbers inside each cage must add up to the small figure printed in its corner. Crucially, to increase the challenge, no number can be repeated within any single cage, even if the normal Sudoku rules would allow it.
How to Access and Solve the Puzzle
Puzzle solvers can click through to access the print-friendly version of Killer Sudoku 1,003 directly from The Guardian's website. For those who enjoy the tactile experience of pen and paper, this format is ideal.
The publication follows a specific schedule for revealing solutions. If you complete a puzzle published from Monday to Thursday, you will need to purchase the next day's print issue of The Guardian to check your answers. For the more challenging puzzles released on Friday and Saturday, the solutions are provided in either the Saturday or Monday edition.
Exploring The Guardian's Puzzle Portfolio
This Killer Sudoku forms part of The Guardian's well-regarded 'Life and style' puzzle section, a hub for daily mental exercise. The newspaper offers a wide range of puzzles to cater to different tastes and skill levels, with Sudoku remaining a perennial favourite for its perfect blend of simplicity and deep logical deduction.
The release of puzzle 1,003 marks a significant milestone, representing thousands of hours of crafted challenges provided to readers. It underscores the enduring appeal of number puzzles and the satisfying cognitive workout they provide.
