** HEXCELLS STREAM ** Our latest Hexcells stream is tonight at 10pm UK time at the following link: null ** TODAY'S PUZZLE ** A lot of people are aware that the minimum number of given digits necessary to create a classic sudoku with a unique sudoku is 17. The constructor Lepton has discovered that, in a 10x10 grid, WHERE THE SOLVER MUST FIND THE LOCATIONS OF THE NINE 3x3 BOXES, it is possible to REDUCE the number of given digits to just 14. This seems so counterintuitive and yet it is true!!! Have a go at the puzzle here: https://sudokupad.app/pc5wpuec38 Rules: Draw nine non-overlapping 3x3 boxes, and place the digits 1-9 once each in every box. Digits cannot repeat in any row or column. Cells outside boxes do not contain digits. ** CIRCLE SUMS by JESPER ** Simon's solve of this unbelievably good (and very challenging) sudoku is now available to watch on Patreon. It is over 2 hours long and is suitable only for those who enjoy movies... https://www.patreon.com/crackingthecryptic There's also a new sudoku hunt from Riffclown for our February competition! Get it here for just $2: Other bonuses on Patreon currently include: Simon's 2.5 hour solve of Roller Coaster Nurikabe Mark's latest solve of The Times Club Monthly Special Crossword ** KICKSTARTER - DELIVERED 24 December 2023 ** Our Kickstarter has finished and we've created the finished novella/puzzle collection for you. It was delivered on Christmas Eve so check your inboxes! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peterchayward/cracking-the-cryptic-presents-fog-of-war ** ORDER OUR NEW BOOK AT THIS LINK ** If you would like to get hold of a physical copy of our new book, Cracking The Cryptic's Greatest Hits - Volume 2, there is still a chance. Visit the link below: https://bean-games.pledgemanager.com/projects/cracking-the-cryptics-greatest-hits-v2/participate/ ▶ SUDOKU PAD - Use Our Software For Your Puzzles ◀ You can input classic sudoku puzzles into our software and help support Sven, the programmer responsible for the wonderful user interface we all use to play these puzzles everyday. The app also comes with 12 handmade puzzles from us: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/svens-sudokupad/id1570622073 Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1706870/Svens_SudokuPad/ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.svencodes.sudokupad ALSO on Amazon: Search for “SudokuPad” ▶ Contents Of This Video ◀ 0:00 Theme music & puzzle introduction 2:51 Hexcells stream TONIGHT 3:19 Simon solves Jesper's Circle Sums 3:58 Happy Birthdays 6:45 Rules 7:35 Start of Solve: Let's Get Cracking ▶ Contact Us ◀ Twitter: @Cracking The Cryptic email: crackingthecryptic@gmail.com Our PO Box address: Simon Anthony & Mark Goodliffe Box 102 56 Gloucester Road London SW7 4UB (Please note to use our real names rather than 'Cracking The Cryptic'.) ************************************************************** ▶ CTC FAN DISCORD SERVER◀ https://discord.gg/BbN89j5 ▶ OUR BACK CATALOGUE – ALL CATEGORISED WITH LINKS!◀ https://tinyurl.com/CTCCatalogue ▶ NEW CRACKING THE CRYPTIC MERCHANDISE◀ null ▶SEND US PUZZLES TO SOLVE/CONTACT US◀ crackingthecryptic@gmail.com ▶FOLLOW US◀ Twitter: @crypticcracking Instagram (for how to solve daily clues from The Times): https://www.instagram.com/crackingthecryptic/?hl=en We also post the Wordle In A Minute videos on TikTok.