(This post is part of: “A Story of Self-setting Sudoku”.)
Eventually, all sudokus will set themselves. Even given two clear options, it’s still up to the setter to control the paths from getting out of hand. Otherwise, the system might get stuck before finishing.

PDF

or solve online (using SudokuPad)

Theme: System Halt 1: A Sequence Got Stuck

Author/Opus: This is the 1st puzzle from guest contributor Mr. Menace.

Rules: Insert a number from 1 to 9 into each white cell so that no number repeats in any row, column, or bold region.

Difficulty (highlight to view): 2 stars

Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 1:15, Master = 2:00, Expert = 4:00

Solution: PDF

Note: Follow this link for classic Sudoku. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Sudoku to get started on. More classic Sudoku puzzles can be found in The Art of Sudoku, The Art of Sudoku 2 and in our beginner-friendly collection Intro to GMPuzzles by Serkan Yürekli.

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