Samurai Sudoku – Hard

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Samurai Sudoku, also known as "Gattai-5," is a captivating variation of the classic Sudoku puzzle. It features five interlocking 9x9 grids, arranged in such a way that the central grid is overlapped by the other four, each sharing a 3x3 box at every corner. The arrangement forms a giant X-like pattern, providing a unique and challenging twist to the traditional Sudoku.

Basic Rules

1. Grid Structure: The puzzle consists of five 9x9 grids, with the central grid being overlapped by the other four at the corners.
2. Number Placement: Each of the 9x9 grids must be filled with numbers 1 through 9.
3. No Repetition: Numbers 1-9 must not repeat in any row, column, or 3x3 box within each individual 9x9 grid.

Additional Rules

• Interlocking Grids: The overlapping 3x3 boxes are shared among the grids, meaning that the numbers placed in these boxes must obey the rules of all connected grids.
• Complete Solution: All five grids must be solved simultaneously since the overlapping sections influence each other.

Basic Solving Tips

• Start with the Central Grid: Often, beginning with the central grid can provide clues for the overlapping sections of the adjacent grids.
• Use Standard Sudoku Strategies: Employ regular Sudoku strategies like "single possibility," "single candidate," and "subtraction" to find numbers.
• Focus on Overlapping Sections: Pay special attention to the overlapping sections as they can provide hints for two grids at once.
• Look for Grid Interactions: Consider how placing a number in one grid might affect the overlapping sections and, consequently, the adjacent grids.