The Sudoku With Zero Given Digits

We've just released Padlocked, an extraordinary Lockout Lines-themed Sudoku Hunt, on Patreon. You can join us on Patreon here:

($2 a month for puzzles, $3 a month for puzzles and solution videos).

This week's puzzles have all seemed have virtually no information in them. Today's really takes the biscuit. RockyRoer's Sunflower has no digits, no cage totals and ambiguous kropki dots. It's not likely to be easy :) Give it a try at the following link:

Rules:
Normal sudoku rules apply. Cells separated by a knight's move (in chess) cannot contain the same digit. Digits in each cage sum to the same total, which must be deduced. Cells separated by an orange dot contain digits that are either consecutive or in a 1:2 ratio (or both).

Sam Cappleman-Lynes has made an extremely clever 6x6x6 set of puzzles. We have released a solution video for this puzzle on Patreon and you can try to solve it yourself at these links (one to our software, one to penpa (which allows you to increase the size of the grids):

PS We've managed to reach 400,000 subscribers - thanks so much to everyone who has joined us on this journey. We'll be releasing a celebration video where Mark and Simon answer community questions shortly!

▶ SUDOKU PAD - Our New App ◀
You can now input your own classic sudoku puzzles into our software using our new App! The app also comes with 12 handmade puzzles from us and we're also releasing occasional bonus puzzles too. Get SudokuPad at these links:

iOS:

Android:

**************************************************************

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Here are the links:
Steam:
App Store:
Google Play:

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With thanks to Andrea for creating this :)

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▶SOFTWARE◀
Play the puzzle in the video by clicking the link under the video (above). We are building a website which will allow you to enter your own sudoku puzzles into the software and this is coming soon!

▶Logo Design◀
Melvyn Mainini

▶ABOUT US◀
Hi! We're Simon Anthony and Mark Goodliffe, two of the UK's most enthusiastic puzzle solvers. We have both represented the UK at the World Sudoku Championships and the World Puzzle Championships.

Thank you for watching!
Simon and Mark

[Churahm]

Just FYI, your "Extensive amount of explaining" is the reason why I watch these videos every day.

[bradleylogston]

I don’t know if it was a barb at you, Simon, but your extensive explanations are greatly appreciated by me. I’ve learned so very much listening and working along. Lately, I’ve paused and moved forward on puzzles and frequently see the same logic that you see when I resume watching. Your verbosity is greatly appreciated!

[Cashman]

"I have no idea how are we gonna solve it."

"Anyway, do have a go.'

[robertbaillargeon]

Simon's explanations are likely the single most important factor for this channel's continued growth.

[Nevir]

"The Sudoku With Zero Given Digits" Doesn't narrow it down much these days lol

[lawfulmeteor]

Well done, sir! Your extensive explanations and elation when closing in on the solution are what makes you so watchable. Please don’t ever change.

[devinpelech]

Me shouting at Simon when he colored r4c6 green when he just finished saying it could be a 1 (which would be blue): “That’s going to be confusing later on…”
Simon 5 minutes later: “Why is this cell green? Why can’t it be a 1? Have I lost my marbles?”
Me: “I told you! Lol” 😂

[tristanbeatty]

Even if it’s long I love the “extensive amount of explaining” it’s very helpful

[michaelmele]

I love predicting Simon's color choices. Nailed it today with purple, blue, green, then orange.

[VillagerJeff]

I appreciate that Simon continues his coloring long after it stops being needed. I'm always curious how the coloring will look when fully expanded.

[stephandebeer]

Love your “extensive explaining”. It is what makes this channel great.

[inspiringsand]

Rules: 02:49
Let's get cracking: 05:15

And how about this video's Simarkisms?!
Hang On: 7 (06:32, 20:46, 21:45, 26:03, 49:51, 50:09, 51:52)
By sudoku: 6 (16:32, 17:57, 18:14, 45:54, 45:57, 1:02:55)
Ridiculous: 4 (05:01, 05:03, 15:48, 29:38)
Sorry: 3 (10:41, 10:41, 37:28)
I Have no Clue: 3 (36:00, 37:33, 59:58)
Stuck: 3 (24:19, 40:45, 58:46)
Incredible: 3 (02:02, 02:15, 1:09:46)
Elegant: 3 (1:10:26, 1:10:31, 1:10:31)
Oh It Can!: 3 (54:08, 54:19, 54:47)
Bobbins: 2 (14:56, 1:06:55)
What on Earth: 2 (15:45, 58:23)
Bother: 2 (15:15, 34:22)
Lovely: 2 (1:01:58, 1:08:55)
Deadly Pattern: 2 (57:24, 57:32)
Come on Simon: 2 (44:54, 1:07:30)
Good Grief: 1 (34:38)
Knowledge Bomb: 1 (29:23)
Secret: 1 (11:23)
The Answer is: 1 (59:33)
Maverick: 1 (02:31)
You Rotten Thing: 1 (54:12)
Clever: 1 (1:10:45)
Recalcitrant: 1 (55:49)
Break the Puzzle: 1 (46:11)
Take a Bow: 1 (1:10:58)
Discombobulating: 1 (32:08)
Nori Nori: 1 (06:56)

FAQ:
Q1: What is a Simarkism?
A1: A Simarkism is something that Simon and Mark typically or frequently say.
Q2: How do you do this so fast?
A2: I'm not made of flesh and blood, but of sand ...
Q3: Why don't you include 'XX' and 'YY'?
A3: Probably it's already on the list ('Scooby-Doo' for example), but not mentioned in this video. But if you think it's not, tell me what you'd like me to include and there's a good chance I'll add it!
Q4: You missed 'XX' at 'YY:ZZ'!
A4: That could very well be the case! Human speech is hard to understand for computers like me, especially British sometimes! Point out the ones that I missed and maybe I'll learn!
Q5: Could you turn these statistics into videos?
A5: I've been playing around with the idea and I'm open to input as to what people would like to see. Let me know if you are interested in this and/or have suggestions.

[SnowTheJamMan]

With phrases like "where does red trim go in this box" we see Simon's coloring has become even crazier than was though possible

[patrickde]

"Simon Anthony, take a Gin and Tonic" gave me a good chuckle. Fantastic solve, Simon!

[GotG]

I watch these videos Because Of the extensive amounts of explaining, so keep it up Simon! The explaining helps me see new ways of doing things and shows me why they work. Plus it makes a longer video, which I enjoy immensely.

[guitoo]

I come for the usual extensive amount of explaining.

[CaptainSpock]

I am feeling immensely proud of myself for *watching* an hour plus sudoko.
How proud must you feel for *solving* it in the same time!
Lots of respect mate! And thanks for the verbose explanations.

[stephenrhine]

The extensive amount of explaining is one of the reasons I watch your videos, please continue!

[Muskar]

Tried it myself along with you. Messed up four times before finishing, and had to watch a little bit further each time to get tips. I think I've done less than five sudokus in my life, so I wasn't surprised that I'd make desperate erroneous deductions. But it was still surprisingly fun and addicting to play. Thanks for sharing!

[BryanLu]

@40:08 the logic about pairs in the remaining white cells does apply to row 5. The logic didn't require the kropki dots to work