Sudoku Xtra

Sudoku Xtra Discussion forum for readers of Sudoku Xtra magazines and books. http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/index.php Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:51:30 +0100 Phorum 5.2.19 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1807,1807#msg-1807 It's 2023 and I'm excited for the next issue(:D (2 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1807,1807#msg-1807
It's been almost 9 years since the last issue of Sudoku Xtra came out and I am still very excited for the next one.

I was wondering who else is still here? Or am I the only one...

My entire year would be made better if I ever saw Sudoku Xtra Issue 25! The quality of puzzles in Sudoku Xtra are like no other, and I'm still hoping to see more cool puzzles and variants!

To this day I still enjoy solving puzzles, so nothing would make me happier than a Sudoku Xtra magazine.

Looking forward to more Tren, more XV and some new variants from the good ol' mammoth book.

~ Dee]]> DeePuzzles Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:09:16 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1804,1804#msg-1804 More 200 puzzles books (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1804,1804#msg-1804 DeePuzzles Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 20 Apr 2017 10:44:31 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1803,1803#msg-1803 Cubicks (1 reply) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1803,1803#msg-1803
I'd like to present a new "SUDOKU type" of puzzle. It's called CUBICKS and just like SUDOKU you have to make rows and columns with all different numbers (in this case different colours). The difference is: CUBICKS is in 3D so you can only play it on a smartphone or a tablet.

Here you see an example of a puzzle:

You can find CUBICKS (or CUBICKS FREE, which is for free of course, but contains ads) on the Apple App store or Google Play store or even on the Windows Game store.

The app contains 1000 games from an easy level to a level so hard that I find it impossible to solve the puzzle without guessing. But that is up to you of course.

If you want to find the puzzle on the different different platforms you can go to www.cubicks.com

I hope you like the game and I also hope you tell me what you think of it.

Marcelo Pars]]> Marcelo Pars Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:19:57 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1796,1796#msg-1796 New Issue (6 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1796,1796#msg-1796
To my delight I recently discovered a virgin copy of the now defunct Suduko Pro from 2009 (remember that?) in the bottom of a cupboard and enjoyed your early puzzles once again. I really really miss a regular issue of Xtra and was heartened to read you say elsewhere that it wasn't dead but "just sleeping". I know you are busy doing other clever things these days but it would be brilliant to hear when you are planning to wake it up. I feed my puzzle obsession with back copies and Beyond Suduko but nothing really compares to a new Xtra arriving in my inbox.

Or maybe another Mammoth Book (but on better paper!).....?? Or maybe a variety 100/200 series book?

All the best

Sue]]> sue Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:22:03 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1787,1787#msg-1787 3-away (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1787,1787#msg-1787 DeePuzzles Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2015 11:07:56 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1644,1644#msg-1644 Good wishes for the New Year (5 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1644,1644#msg-1644 Marilyn Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 25 Jan 2015 07:25:01 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1640,1640#msg-1640 PDF question (2 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1640,1640#msg-1640 Hungry1 Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:14:38 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1617,1617#msg-1617 Sudoku Xtra Specials Sudoku 16x16 and 25x25 Volumes 12 & 13 available (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1617,1617#msg-1617
You can either get them pre-printed from Amazon, or you can choose to download a PDF and print pages yourself if you prefer.

Links to both printed and download versions are on the Sudoku Xtra books page.]]> gareth Announcements Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:22:56 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1609,1609#msg-1609 Request for more non-sudoku puzzles (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1609,1609#msg-1609
While I enjoy some of the Sudoku puzzles (particularly the SkyScraper, Consecutive, Killer and Jigsaw variations) the puzzles I have enjoyed the most are the non-Sudoku ones from the earlier issues. I would love to see more Yajilin, Battleships, Tents and Trees, and I sorely miss the Community Puzzles section where I was likely to find several new (to me) non-Sudoko type puzzles in each issue. New puzzle types are my favourite thing!

My personal favourite was Tiktaka (eg Issue 18 page 51).

If there was to be more variety of puzzle types in future issues, I'd be a very happy bunny!

Is there anyone out there who feels the same way?]]> mara1618 Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:49:57 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1602,1602#msg-1602 Skyscrapers………..Any tips? (6 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1602,1602#msg-1602 Theawaysudokuscreator Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 06:52:32 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1595,1595#msg-1595 Little Killer (3 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1595,1595#msg-1595
Now, any other puzzle readers who want to chat about Little Killers are welcome!]]> gold5471 Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 05:21:57 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1566,1566#msg-1566 2-away (6 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1566,1566#msg-1566
Happy puzzling everyone!]]> gold5471 Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:50:45 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1563,1563#msg-1563 Sudoku Xtra 25?? (33 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1563,1563#msg-1563 Theawaysudokuscreator Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:46:30 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1549,1549#msg-1549 Sudoku Variants (6 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1549,1549#msg-1549
My top three are: 2-away Sudoku (featured in The Mammoth Book Of New Sudoku), Integer Multiple Sudoku and Diagonal Sudoku]]> gold5471 Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 17 May 2015 19:06:23 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1544,1544#msg-1544 Sudoku Xtra 24 available! (1 reply) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1544,1544#msg-1544 Sudoku Xtra 24 is... finally... ready! I'm sorry for the somewhat long delay, given that it's six months later than promised! But, hopefully, it's been worth the wait...

I've taken the opportunity to refresh the design a little, both in the magazine and on the website, and I've finally added the often-mentioned but never-present feature of being able to provide your email address to receive automatic notification of future issues. You can find this on the front page (scroll down a little) and on the list of magazines page. I know a few of you have been regularly checking for six months, and for that I apologise!

Sudoku Xtra 24 contains 130 logic puzzles of a wide range of types, centred around a varied selection of Sudoku variations, some new for this issue such as Mystery Integer Sudoku, Non-main Diagonal Sudoku and Two-grid Interconnected Sudoku, plus other variants such as Non-consecutive Sudoku, Kropki Sudoku, Little Killer, Odd/Even Sudoku, Killer Sudoku Zero and of course many more.

Other puzzle types include Hanjie, Calcudoku, Slitherlink, Hashi, Skyscraper and Battleships. Not only that, but there's also Futoshiki, Light Up, No Four in a Row, Dominoes, Slitherlink in terms of non-sudoku puzzles. If you're experienced with Light Up/Akari you might rather enjoy the challenge of these puzzles, which were last featured back in issue 6!

Available now for download from the magazines page, with the pre-printed book version now also available (links on the same page). Subscribers have also been emailed their copies.

In other news, I've also updated the list of Sudoku Xtra Specials books on this site to include the latest 16x16 and 25x25 titles, and I've also added to the list of my other sudoku variant books available via links on www.puzzlebooks.org.]]> gareth Announcements Wed, 30 Dec 2020 01:08:57 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1540,1540#msg-1540 Brained Up: my brand new Brain Training website! (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?1,1540,1540#msg-1540

My brand new website is launched, following over a year of development!

Brained Up provides daily brain training games, designed so that just a few minutes a day is all it takes to upgrade your brain! Brained Up's scientifically-designed exercises provide a fun way to train your brain for sharper, faster thinking.

Brained Up works just the same on every device, from desktop to phone to laptop to tablet! You can brain train anywhere you can find just a minute to spare.

And what's more, there's 50% off a subscription for Christmas! You can also buy a gift subscription for friends or family.

Get Brained Up!]]> gareth Announcements Thu, 19 Dec 2013 01:18:52 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1539,1539#msg-1539 2013 Advent Calendar (2 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1539,1539#msg-1539 http://thegriddle.net/tags/advent2013]]> davmillar Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 02 Dec 2014 10:14:22 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1537,1537#msg-1537 Sudoku Xtra 24? (24 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1537,1537#msg-1537 utahgamer Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 17 May 2015 19:32:43 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1536,1536#msg-1536 Product Frame Sudoku (2 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1536,1536#msg-1536

Quote

I have been doing killer sudoku for a few years and came across your magazines by chance. This has given me more than I had expected to find in one source, thank you.

May I ask is there a site I can go to for more of an explanation on some of the puzzles? Many of these are new to me.

Also I particularly like the the Product Frame Sudoku and wonder if you do a magazine with more of these in?

Here's what I wrote back:

There are six more of those puzzles, plus many more varieties in my 544 page book, “The Mammoth Book of New Sudoku” (available in bookstores, or on Amazon). It also includes regular Frame Sudoku, and Subtraction Frame Sudoku, and around 100 other types of Sudoku.

In terms of instructions, that’s all I’ve written myself but you can ask for advice in the forum on www.sudokuxtra.com and there’s a reasonable chance someone will help a bit. Those variants I happen to have written about on www.puzzlemix.com or www.anypuzzle.com might have more details on there, or for some types I’ve also posted on www.garethmoore.co.uk – but I haven’t provided any solving help there.

I don’t currently have a magazine with just that type in, but you can see all my current single-types by looking on the books page on www.sudokuxtra.com AND my ‘Amazon-only’ books list at www.puzzlebooks.org – there are a lot of types there. :)]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 06:22:09 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1226,1226#msg-1226 New project - volunteers wanted (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1226,1226#msg-1226 gareth@sudokuxtra.com.

In return for helping out with various tests of the site you'll get free access to the new site for life, which will otherwise be for subscribers only - this will be worth a substantial value. You'll also get a unique launch partner badge on the site.

What I'll be looking for is feedback on various puzzle content as to whether you found the instructions clear or confusing, and whether the puzzles are too easy or hard or just right - that kind of thing. You won't need any expert knowledge of any kind, and certainly you don't need to know anything at all about websites.

Anyone reading this is very welcome to apply. Email gareth@sudokuxtra.com.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Fri, 30 Aug 2013 01:41:14 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1225,1225#msg-1225 Art for Sudoku enthusiasts (2 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1225,1225#msg-1225 I enjoyed Gareth's puzzles so much, I made art out of them! This is one of ten collages you can see at http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MetaGeometer?section_id=14039415.

Each collage features an important number for solving the puzzle. Variations include Killer Sudoku, 16x16 Sudoku, Samurai Sudoku, Sudoku X, Sudoku 13 Regions, as well as Slitherlink, Skyscraper, and (my favourite) Futoshiki puzzles.

Drop me a line if you have any questions or comments.

Alana Boltwood
Toronto, Canada]]> Alana Boltwood Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:03:07 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1222,1222#msg-1222 101 Giant Sudoku series (1 reply) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1222,1222#msg-1222
You can see the entire series at PuzzleBooks.org (scroll to the bottom) or visit Amazon and search for "101 giant sudoku".

There are 12 books in the series: 14x14, 15x15, 16x16, 18x18, 20x20, 21x21, 22x22, 24x24, 25x25, 28x28, 30x30 and 36x36.

In Sudoku 36x36, for example, you must place 0-9 and A-Z into every one of the 36 rows, 36 columns and 36 6x6 boxes!

As you might hope, these puzzles are designed so they don't need any advanced logic - just scanning of the rows and columns and boxes to see what's missing and what can fit where.

All the puzzles are designed with attractive 8-way symmetry patterns.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:26:38 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1216,1216#msg-1216 Sudoku Xtra 23 now available, plus more (1 reply) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1216,1216#msg-1216 available for download! Subscribers should have already received their copies, and it is also now available pre-printed from Amazon - find a link to your local Amazon on this page.

It's been delayed due to a range of other projects I've worked on, including a new range of books that I have created at www.puzzlebooks.org, so thanks very much for your patience!

I've also finally updated the Books page on this site so that it shows a full list of all the Sudoku Xtra books - previously the latest 16x16 and 25x25 volumes, as well as the Slitherlink 2 and Killer Sudoku 2, books were missing. These link through to the existing Amazon listings as well as providing new PDF download options.

Sudoku Xtra 23 is packed full of 134 top-quality logic puzzles of a wide range of types, including the usual diverse selection of unusual Sudoku variations such as Consecutive Sudoku, Inequality Sudoku, Kropki Sudoku, No Donkey Step Sudoku, Diagonal Sudoku, Product Little Killer, Offset Sudoku, Killer Sudoku Zero and of course many more. Other puzzle types include Link-pix, Tren, Corral, No Four in a Row and Battleships. Not only that, but there's also Hanjie, Futoshiki, Hashi, Calcudoku, Dominoes, Slitherlink and others.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:32:24 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1208,1208#msg-1208 33 new Sudoku sets at Puzzlemix.com (3 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1208,1208#msg-1208 PuzzleMix that I've been working on for a while.

This new system makes it much easier to find and add sets of puzzles to your account, and there's now a much wider range of content.

Today I've made the new version of the site live and I've added 33 new sets of puzzles to go with it. All of these are sudoku-based sets, but I will be adding more over the coming weeks now that it's much easier for me to do so (one of the reasons for the new system was to make it easier to maintain).

What's more, you can now play one puzzle from each set for free - so you can preview the content in the set before you buy it.

On the PuzzleMix menu page you now see an animated browser showing all available puzzle sets, and if you click through you can see the list of available sets along with your shopping cart. You can add and remove sets from your cart and check out with a single click to Paypal, where a single transaction will buy all items. You also automatically get a 10% discount for multiple (3+) purchases in a single transaction.

Gareth]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:29:57 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1207,1207#msg-1207 Sudoku Extra 23...? (8 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1207,1207#msg-1207
I was wondering if Sudoku Extra 23 would be available soon? I'm off into hospital for a few days on Monday and would love to take my favourite distraction with me ( a great excuse for guilt free daytime puzzling!) If its not, is there a way I can print off some of the daily online puzzles to take with me (no WiFi :( )

many Thanks
jane]]> jane Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 06:29:59 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1164,1164#msg-1164 Inequalities (42 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1164,1164#msg-1164
Agree it is time this topic had its own thread so here it is!

For those new to this, the 3 of us have been sharing our frustrations, tips and hard won successes in the 200 thread whist trying to crack the maddeningly difficult, but fantastically satisfying, inequalities puzzles in Gareth's Sudoku 200 series. A brilliant book for those who like a challenge. Do join us. We need all the help and encouragement we can get.

Christine, so glad you are getting there now and have joined Marilyn and I on this quest. I am still trying to crack the unfinished ones that I have abandoned down the line with slightly more success. This should indicate that I have found some previously hidden logic but sadly not. Like you I always start with 9's and 1's followed by 2'' and 8's and then see where i am at.

I think I am getting better at following long chains and considering all the possible numbers that fit, even if there are 3 or 4 (occasionally) options. Sometimes this throws some light on other cells in the lines, columns and boxes. For example, if I know that a cell can only contain a 3 or a 4 then a chain in the same line cannot contain both the 3 and 4. Does that make sense? In other variants I do not usually bother if there are more than 2 options but these call for greater analysis. However, even doing this, the puzzles still take a long time and often several visits to complete (if then!). If still not there I rub out all my "possibles" and leave it for a bit. Hence all the embarrassing gaps in my book.

I have now attempted most of the puzzles upto 132..... this is now the only book I seem to pick up! I have completed almost exactly half of these so not overly great. Of recent new ones I have tried, no 129 worked out on first attempt although i wouldn't say it was easy. But then none are. That might sound good but I am STILL stuck on no 14 (see earlier posts).

And has anyone done 21? I keep going back to it but so far have not managed to place one number! What am I missing? It's windy and raining where I am today so might find some time to try again....

Sue

Looking forward to some comments, inspiration and any tips!

Gareth, if youre reading, these are the best!]]> Sue Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 15 Oct 2013 07:57:48 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1158,1158#msg-1158 Sudoku Xtra 22 now available (both PDF and print) (no replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1158,1158#msg-1158 download it from the magazines page or buy a pre-printed version from Amazon (direct links: Amazon UK; Amazon US).

Sudoku Xtra 22 is packed full with 144 top-quality logic puzzles of a wide range of types. New Sudoku types appearing for the first time in this issue include No Donkey Step Sudoku, Diagonal Sudoku, Product Little Killer, Minus Sudoku and Killer Sudoku Pro Zero.

Starting with a giant Tents puzzle, other new puzzles this time round include Tren, Corral and Wolves and Sheep in Fences. Not only that, but there's also Hanjie, Futoshiki, Hashi, Calcudoku, Dominoes, Hitori, Slitherlink and many more logic puzzles.

Returning Sudoku variants include Worm Sudoku, Quad Clue Sudoku, Offset Sudoku, Sudoku XV, Kropki Sudoku and many more.

Available both pre-printed and for download, the download version is optimised for printing on both A4 and Letter size paper while the pre-printed version is 8.5 x 11 inches in size.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:17:40 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1150,1150#msg-1150 Happy Holidays (1 reply) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1150,1150#msg-1150
Gareth, I hope you get some well-deserved rest. Thank you for all the wonderful puzzles!]]> Marilyn Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:51:59 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1138,1138#msg-1138 Any Kropki tips? (9 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1138,1138#msg-1138
For instance, in the 200 series (which I've only just started) I went straight for puzzles 2, 3 and 4 because there were plenty of the black dots in there. Obviously where there are 3 black dots in a row they can't include 3 and 6, so if there is another separate black dot, that has to be for numbers 3 and 6. (Hope that makes sense)

Similary, if the black dots in any 3 x 3 grid cover six of the squares, the remaining three squares have to be 5, 7 and 9, which also gives you a starting point.

However, I haven't worked out any strategies for where to start the puzzles that contain more white dots and very few black ones. Am I missing something obvious?]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:53:06 +0000 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1122,1122#msg-1122 101 Samurai series (11 replies) http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,1122,1122#msg-1122
First up are six titles:

Samurai Sudoku: 101 Samurai
Killer Samurai Sudoku: 101 Samurai
Arrow Sudoku: 101 Samurai
Samurai Star / Flower Sudoku: 101 Samurai
Samurai 13-grid Sudoku: 101 Samurai
Outside Sudoku: 101 Samurai

Where I'm doing unusual variants, I'll call the book the name of the sudoku variant, as in "Arrow Sudoku". Where it's a "known" variant, like Samurai Sudoku itself, I'll include Samurai in the main title too. For Samurai Star I've included an alternative name to help the book show up in searches.

You will be able to find them on Amazon when they appear by searching for "101 Samurai Gareth Moore".]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 01 Dec 2014 06:35:08 +0000