(This post is part of the Genuinely Approachable Sudoku (GAS) series.)
In this Sudoku variation, similar to Outside Sudoku the clues outside the grid must be in the first three cells. However, here they must also be the median value in those three cells which adds some new and fun challenges to the logic.

PDF

or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools)

Author/Opus: This is the 61st puzzle from Clover, part of the Genuinely Approachable Sudoku (GAS) team.

Rules: Standard Sudoku rules (insert a number from 1 to 9 into each cell so that no number repeats in any row, column, or bold region). Also, each clue given outside the grid must appear somewhere in the first three cells in the corresponding direction. This clue represents the median (i.e., middle value) of those three cells. (For example, the clue to the left of row 2 indicates that in R2C123 one of the three cells is lower than 3, one is 3, and one is higher than 3.)

GAS Time Standards (highlight to view): Two party hats (🎩🥳): 7:00; One party hat (🥳): 13:00. All other solvers earn a 🦕: mid Minmi.

Thomas Hits the GAS (highlight to view): 2:10, with SudokuPad replay file shared as a download for now (requires loading via settings menu with improvements expected before people should use this regularly).

Solution: PDF; solving video with explanation to be added later from GAS team.

Note: Follow this link for other less common variations of Sudoku.

Note 2: Comments on the blog are great! For a more interactive discussion, please also consider using our Daily GAS discussion post on the GMPuzzles Discord. Not a member of the Discord? Click this link for basic access.