Star Battle by Thomas Snyder
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools)
Theme: Twisted Keys
Author/Opus: This is the 368th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.
Rules: Standard Star Battle rules. Two stars per row, column, and region.
Difficulty: 4.5 stars
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 9:00, Master = 18:00, Expert = 36:00
Solution: PDF; a solution video is also available here.
Note: Follow this link for other classic Star Battles and this link for Star Battle variations. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Star Battles to get started on. More Star Battle puzzles can be found in The Art of Puzzles, in the book Star Battle by JinHoo Ahn, and in our beginner-friendly collection Intro to GMPuzzles by Serkan Yürekli.
This is a very tough puzzle. By guess, I could solve it in 17.48 mins. It will be very interesting to know the logical steps to solve this puzzle after watching the solution video.
Watched the solution video. Very logical beginning to this puzzle which I missed during my solution. Thanks, Thomas for the solution video.