Discuss anything and everything about Sudoku Xtra, from what you think of particular puzzles and would like to see in future issues, through to any that you might want help with. General puzzle discussion is welcome too! http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/list.php?2 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:20:52 +0100 Phorum 5.2.13 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,528,528#msg-528 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,528,528#msg-528
I haven't done the printed versions yet so it won't affect those.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:24:11 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,520,520#msg-520 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,520,520#msg-520 guarantee it will be online on Sunday! :)]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:44:46 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,499,499#msg-499 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,499,499#msg-499
There will also be a few small puzzles of mine in the October issue of 'Glamour' mag, due out at the start of September.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:49:03 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,486,486#msg-486 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,486,486#msg-486 Lucien Morel, Bianca Morel, Cara Morel, Jeff Le Roux
£7.50 Format: Paperback Availability: 4 or more weeks]]> JEFF LOEB Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:57:02 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,478,478#msg-478 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,478,478#msg-478 www.ukpuzzles.org if you're in the UK, or wpc.puzzles.com in the US.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:52:31 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,472,472#msg-472 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,472,472#msg-472
May I hasten to add that I am in no way being criticall of the content of Xtra (the best puzzle mag on the market by a mile) - I know we all have different likes and dislikes and was just curious to know what others thought of hitori.]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:12:57 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,471,471#msg-471 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,471,471#msg-471 (tu)]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:50:38 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,466,466#msg-466 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,466,466#msg-466
Next up, the odd pair S.]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:58:35 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,462,462#msg-462 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,462,462#msg-462
Thank you Gareth for the former. Looks good. Partic like look of your new +/- Killer so will prob start there. Stand by for the scream of pain or joy!

Happy puzzling, everyone]]> sue Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:49:30 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,441,441#msg-441 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,441,441#msg-441 I was a subscriber to Sudoku Pro before it went under, and believe it or not I'm just finishing Issue 49 now! So I need something for the summer hols, and I see that Sudoku Pro is back from the dead, along with Sudoku Xtra too. Having never seen Xtra, I wondered if you good folks could help me decide which to get -- Pro or Xtra?

(With Pro, I tend to jump to the 3-hourglass puzzles immediately, and then do the easier ones as fillers when I'm tired or only have a few minutes to spare. My favourites are Slitherlink, Inequality, Futoshiki, and the varieties of Killer and Jigsaw.)

Thanks for any advice,
Kevin]]> Kevin Rutherford Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:40:00 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,439,439#msg-439 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,439,439#msg-439
How many of you are quick solvers? Ever want to enter a sudoku competition?

On 7th and 8th August, Logic Masters India will be having their August Sudoku Test. Augusts test will feature sudoku variants created by me that have up to 6 clue types per puzzle.

If you're interested, head to their site and grab the Instruction Booklet to prepare for this test!

http://logicmastersindia.com/M201008S1/

David]]> davmillar Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:58:12 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,431,431#msg-431 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,431,431#msg-431
New Year's Day - I normally only do number puzzles but enjoyed this one for a change

Slithery Sum Sudoku - unfortunately I can't get started with this one Dave (nothing wrong with your puzzle, just my brain!) so if anyone has any tips, please let me know - I can be sometimes slow to pick up new puzzles until I've had a few goes and got the rules firmly entrenched in my mind. I've visited The Griddle many times since getting ths magazine and had a go at many of the puzzles, my favourites being the (Shapely) Alleyways and Skyscrapers (just done the last bunch) :)

LITS - I'd never come across this one before and once I'd got to grips with the rules I really enjoyed it, so much so I've visited Grant's site and printed off a few more (including a couple of giants which I shall attempt to have a go at!)

Fillomino - this is a work in progress at the moment - a bit bigger than ones I've done before.

Sudoku Minus - we've already had a discussion about this on another thread - also enjoyed the ABCD, not done the Square Numbers yet.

Deficit/Surplus sudoku - fun puzzles, not too difficult.

Sudoku Islands - I love the idea of this one, but not being very good at nurikabe it's driving me insane!! I've had three attempts so far and only got about half the grid filled in! Must print out a couple of easier ones from Tom's blog and see if I fare any better!

So, all in all, a brilliant selection of community puzzles - trouble is I have had to buy a storage box to put all my magazines and printed sheets in (the end of my settee was looking a bit of a nightmare!!)]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:45:01 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,426,426#msg-426 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,426,426#msg-426
They're just four of the many contributors to the Community Puzzles section in Issue 9 of Sudoku Xtra!

With that, I'll leave you to ponder who they are.]]> davmillar Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:46:58 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,425,425#msg-425 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,425,425#msg-425
What does this mean exactly?

It means Gareth will have a bit more free time to work on puzzles for SX and the Community Puzzles section will continue to grow!

If anyone has any questions at all, feel free to reply below and I'll do my best to answer them.]]> davmillar Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:30 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,407,407#msg-407 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,407,407#msg-407
Fabulous community section this time - can't wait to have a go at some of the different types of puzzles - some interesting puzzle combinations by the looks of it. Will give some feedback in due course!!]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:25:37 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,406,406#msg-406 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,406,406#msg-406 Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:34:14 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,401,401#msg-401 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,401,401#msg-401 is now available for download! Printed copies are available from Lulu (recommended for most of the world) and also Amazon.com (recommended for US readers).

There's an 'S' theme for a few of the puzzles this month, as you can see on the cover:


This issue I'm very excited to welcome some brand new Community Puzzles section contributors - Thomas Collyer, the two-time UK Times National Sudoku Champion; and Grant Fikes, one of the most prolific authors of Japanese puzzles outside Japan itself - who have very kindly donated some fantastic puzzles to this issue. There are also some brilliant Slitherlink/Sudoku cross-over puzzles by David Millar of The Griddle, and that's only half of the section described so far!

The rest of the magazine as always has some new variants and rearranged content in, including Killer Prime (Killer Sudoku with prime numbers...) and Skyscraper S (a twisted 6x6 Skyscraper variant!). At just £3.99/$5.99 for a download it's still incredible value even when compared to cheaper mags - with 116 puzzles that's less than 4p/6¢ a puzzle, and you'd have to average around 4 a day to get the whole issue complete in time for issue 9!

With over 50 different types of puzzle in issue 8, what are you waiting for?! :)]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:13:28 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,384,384#msg-384 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,384,384#msg-384
Plus of course all of the regulars and lots more besides!

I've just finished testing the Nurikabe for the issue, and I must say it's looking good so far...


Gareth]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:30:49 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,380,380#msg-380 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,380,380#msg-380 gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:46:48 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,368,368#msg-368 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,368,368#msg-368 http://bookdepository.com and http://thebookdepository.co.uk

the 2 sites seem to be mirror sites of one another

why they both give prices in USD, I don't know]]> Jeff Loeb Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:16:00 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,365,365#msg-365 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,365,365#msg-365 Sudoku Pro magazine, packed full of my puzzles, is now back on shelves in the UK in selected independent newsagents. It's been relaunched by its new owners, My Hobby Store, who also publish a range of other specialist interest magazines.

If you were a reader of the old Sudoku Pro before it ceased publication when Accolade Puzzles went into administration then you'll certainly recognise the new version - it contains an almost identical selection of puzzles, with a range of traditional Sudoku variants and Japanese puzzles.

You can also subscribe to the magazine at £22 for 12 issues.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:20:36 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,350,350#msg-350 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,350,350#msg-350
Weirdly they email about this offer today and it expires today... oh well!


Gareth]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 26 May 2010 18:04:04 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,349,349#msg-349 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,349,349#msg-349 Sudoku Xtra issue 7 is now out! I've emailed subscribers and contributors their copies and of course it's available for download!

Pre-printed copies from Lulu (for UK and most of the world) and Amazon.com (for the US) are also available.

Download Sudoku Xtra 7 now: www.sudokuxtra.com/magazines.php



Issue 7 of Sudoku Xtra contains even more large-page Japanese puzzle fun, with an incredible 116 varied logic and number puzzles. A special section in this issue is devoted to giant puzzles, with the 13 full-page puzzles including Hanjie, Nurikabe, Yajilin, Slitherlink, Hashi, Samurai Sudoku variants, Kakuro and more.

Sudoku Xtra offers greater variety than any other puzzle publication, with a huge range of Sudoku variants that include Jigsaw, Extra Region, Skyscraper, Consecutive and many more. Other featured puzzles include Calcudoku, Futoshiki, Hitori, Killer Sudoku and a range of variants, including Zero Killer Sudoku Inequality!

Designed to print on either A4 or Letter paper, or pre-printed on similarly large paper, Sudoku Xtra features puzzles at a range of difficulties, so is suitable for both logic puzzle fans and casual solvers alike. Featuring hand-made puzzles created by Dr Gareth Moore, author of a wide range of puzzle and brain-training books, Sudoku Xtra is easily the best and most comprehensive collection of these puzzles outside Japan. No matter what you like, you're sure to find many things to enjoy in Sudoku Xtra issue 7.

There's also another great Puzzle Community section too, thanks to the generous contributors. Puzzles sent in for issue 7 include Navigrid, Mini Killer Sudoku, Fillomino and more. There are also two Knighted Sum Sudoku from David Millar at The Griddle, exclusive to Sudoku Xtra for the next couple of weeks.

Available now.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 26 May 2010 17:39:06 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,346,346#msg-346 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,346,346#msg-346
Clarity Media's Sudoku Times in Issue 5 was fun, and not too taxing, but I have drawn a blank with the Sudoku Minus in issue 6. Don't know whether I am missing something really obvious, but at the minute I can't find a way to get started. Is anyone out there able to give me any pointers? Thanks.]]> Christine Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:09:05 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,344,344#msg-344 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,344,344#msg-344
Recently someone asked for another Killer-15 puzzle, so I might have something in that arena too. :)

Coming soon! :)]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Wed, 26 May 2010 17:32:29 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,338,338#msg-338 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,338,338#msg-338
Unlike Christine and others I still can't get into the "link" ones - will really try again - but love the number placing puzzles. If you are doing requests, Gareth, in future issues I would love to see more of the following:

Consecutives (only 4 each issue - thats really mean - they are the best)
Odd Pairs (love these)
Negative number Killers
(Even) more variants on Samurai Stars
- l love all the patterns and inter connections - another X one wd be great sometime
More Killer inequalities (Biggest "yay" so far this week was completing one of these! Finally)
Some harder Calculodukos (don't go mad tho!)

Thats not to say I don't like the other variants but there are usually plenty of skyscrapers, outside numbers, jigsaws etc. I also love the variety of sizes. The 6x6 page is always great for a coffee break and the larger ones saved for (a rare but lovely|) a good long sit down.

I know I am I'm just being selfish and greedy here! What do your other fans think then?

Thanks again for such a brilliant magazine Gareth - I hope subscriptions are deservedly booming.]]> Sue Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sat, 15 May 2010 23:50:25 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,337,337#msg-337 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,337,337#msg-337 The Rough Guide Book of Brain Training (which has over 500 of my puzzles of the types found in Sudoku Xtra in) is brilliant:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1848365187/ref=gfix_mc_hd

#17 in Books > Children's Books > Computers > Entertainment & Games

Just a few problems there... It's not a Children's book. It's also not a Children's book about Computers. And it's certainly not a Children's book about Computers that covers Entertainment & Games. Hmm....

The title and author info is wrong too, but that should be fixed I think.

The entries on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com are much more accurate.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sat, 08 May 2010 03:06:06 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,329,329#msg-329 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,329,329#msg-329 Sudoku Xtra was out, but it's time for issue 6 already. It's been sent out to subscribers and contributors and it's also available for download!

Pre-printed copies from Lulu (for UK and most of the world) and Amazon.com (for the US) are also now available.

Download Sudoku Xtra 6 now: www.sudokuxtra.com/magazines.php

It's packed with a I-can't-believe-there's-even-more 133 individual puzzles. The range of content includes:

• Light-up / Akari
• A large cover Nurikabe puzzle
• -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 Killer Sudoku - back by popular demand!
• A third Jigsaw 6x6 Variety Pack of miniature variants
• An extra-big Yajilin
• Killer Inequality Sudoku - lots of symbols on a grid!
• Dominoes - first time back since issue 1
• Plus all of the regular puzzles, from Skyscraper to Samurais to Calcudoku to Hashi to Hanjie to Kakuro and so on...

There's a bumper-packed Puzzle Community section too, thanks to the generous contributors. Just look at some of the types that are in issue 6:

• Yin Yang Sudoku
• Sudoku Minus (a trickier version of Sudoku Times!)
• Hexagon 25
• Klump
• Modula
• and more!

Available now.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:07:28 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,328,328#msg-328 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,328,328#msg-328
Just click the 'Lulu' links on the magazine and book pages on the site, then enter code FREEMAILUK305 at the checkout to take £2.99 off the total - resulting in free shipping for a single item. You can only use the code once per account, but I doubt there's anything stopping you creating multiple accounts...

I'm quite sure there's a similar discount in the US at the moment too, and no doubt other countries - just set up an account with Lulu.com in your country and you should get their promotional emails.

Offer expires May 5th.]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:12:03 +0100 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,327,327#msg-327 http://www.sudokuxtra.com/forum/read.php?2,327,327#msg-327 HowToVote.co.uk 2010 general election website, which I've run at each general election since 2001 (so then and 2005 in other words).

Since the party manifestos were finally published this week I've been working on a 'final' update to come in the next day or so, but once that's done I'll have more time to spend on puzzles again. ;) In theory, anyway...

I also had some radio interviews for The Rough Guide Book of Brain Training, following an article in The Independent the week before last that referenced me, but this would have been more useful to mention in advance of them come to think of it... :)]]> gareth Sudoku Xtra Discussion Forum Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:26:40 +0100