PDF

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

Theme: Imbalance – the lower-left is slightly heavier than the upper-right, and is distributed less evenly, affecting the solve.

Rules: Standard Nurikabe rules.

Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the black segments (the unnumbered, connected “ocean”) from left to right for the marked rows, starting at the top. Separate each row’s entry from the next with a comma.

Time Standard: Nurikabe Master = 1:45, Expert = 5:15, Novice = 17:30

Solution: PDF

PDF

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

Theme: TomTom for 1/3/13; there are also a few interesting and unusual logical deductions to be found.

Rules: Standard TomTom rules.

Answer String: Enter the 2nd row from left to right, followed by a comma, followed by the 6th column from top to bottom.

Time Standard: TomTom Master = 4:30, Expert = 13:30, Novice = 45:00

Solution: PDF

Note: Advice on solving this puzzle has now been posted in “Ask Dr. Sudoku #1“.

PDF

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

Theme: Missing Digit? (opus 2); this avant-garde sudoku poses the question “Is there a 5 in the grid or not?” It is similar to an earlier work by Dr. Sudoku first displayed at the Silicon Valley Puzzle Festival where a different digit, 8, was missing in the same way.

Rules: Standard Sudoku rules.

Answer String: Enter the 1st column from top to bottom, followed by a comma, followed by the 4th column from top to bottom.

Time Standard: Sudoku Master = 4:00, Expert = 12:00, Novice = 40:00

Solution: PDF

Note: This puzzle may seem a bit hard for a Wednesday puzzle, but it is a fun, narrow solving path puzzle with a refreshing theme. The “Time Standard” at this site is used to tell you how hard a puzzle will be, even when the day of the week might be slightly off. Follow this link for other 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.