Simple Sudoku - Puzzle maker and solver for Windows

rkral · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

angusj,

I was surprised to see SS ver 4.1z hint a multi-coloring exclusion (r5c8<>9) before a hidden triple (378 in r5c246).

angusj · Site Admin

rkral · Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:33 am Post subject:

ltuser · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:04 pm Post subject:

I realize that SS hasn't been updated in over a year, so it may be that this suggestion is pointless, but ...

Why are Unique Rectangles -- at least the easier types -- among the tactics? They're *easier* to spot than naked pairs since you only need look for a pair that is in a box and in line -- much quicker to search the entire grid for URs than naked pairs -- I always look for both tactics at the same time -- and they're *very* common. In fact, by not including them, they through a wrench in the ratings SS assigns -- puzzles that "require" an xy-wing or swordfish or coloring -- much more difficult tactics to spot -- can often be solved by UR instead.

For example, at random, I pulled up the following Extreme from 4.1z:

angusj · Site Admin

rkral · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:42 pm Post subject:

Sartak · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject:

I recently switched to Linux and I'm very happy to report that Simple Sudoku runs fairly well under WINE. I've encountered a strange bug -- when you minimize and restore the window, there's a glaring display error that makes the game unplayable. Here's a screenshot:

Oh well, otherwise it runs like a peach. Smile

Edit: I'm not expecting you to fix this at all; this is certainly a WINE bug (considering this behavior has never happened that I know of under Windows).

Joey_Alva · Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 7:38 am Post subject:

Hi there, just downloaded your program and started playing around with it, I'm kinda new to Sudoku so I have a question about an error message I get when entering a puzzle from a local newspaper.

I get the, puzzle is asymetrical do you want to continue? yes no error when I've completed filling in the puzzle and presses start.
What does this mean? Does it mean that the puzzle has more than one solution or that it gives too little information so that it is just a guessing game?

The puzzle I try to insert:

angusj · Site Admin

falcons75scp · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:07 pm Post subject:

Angus,

Thanks again for creating such a useful and helpful program. I use it virtually every day.

I visited your web site this morning and was somewhat surprised to see an updated version of Simple Sudoku (4.2e - the previous that I had downloaded was 4.1z). I saw no mention of the update here. However, I've noted that the program behaves differently now upon startup. Previously, it started in the design mode. Now each time it starts with a new puzzle - is this intentional? Is there a startup option to prevent this?

I know that the program is freeware, but ........... do you take contributions? The program has real value to me (and to many others, I suspect). I would like to make a small donation if that is possible. This is not unheard of for freeware - perhaps others feel as I do.

Steve

angusj · Site Admin

falcons75scp · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:42 pm Post subject:

Angus,

One of the great features of the program is being able to enter puzzles from outside sources and use the program as a solving aide. As you know, this REQUIRES design mode unless the user knows how paste a puzzle or how to create a file of the puzzle to load into the program.

Therefore, what might be confusing for newbies to Simple Sudoku is how to get OUT of the design mode once in it. Those of us who have been using Simple Sudoku for a while know that the F3 key does this. But (unless I missed it somewhere) there is nothing to clue newbies to the program of this feature.

Your thoughts?

Steve

angusj · Site Admin

falcons75scp · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:54 am Post subject:

Angus,

OK, I now see that F3 (start) shows up on the menu (apparently after 10 givens are entered). I frequently use Simple Sudoku for Killer Sudoku when that many givens is not initially available. Since Simple Sudoku is not actually designed for Killer Sudoku and there are (apparently) no valid regular Sudoku puzzles with fewer than 17 givens - the "problem" that I pointed out is a non-issue for newbies. In other words.................

Never mind.

Steve

Wink