description Kuromasu Overview
Kuromasu is a shading logic puzzle published by Nikoli. Solvers mark cells black or leave them white based on numbered clues in circles that indicate how many white cells are visible from that position across the four orthogonal directions, including the clued cell itself. Black cells may not share an edge with another black cell, and all white cells must form a single connected group. The puzzle emphasizes spatial visibility and counting.
insights Ranking position
Kuromasu ranks #41 of 93 in the Logic Puzzle ranking, behind Muddy Children Puzzle, ahead of Little Killer Sudoku.
help Kuromasu FAQ
How do you solve a Kuromasu puzzle?
In Kuromasu, a shading puzzle published by Nikoli, solvers must decide whether to leave grid cells white or shade them black. You use numbered clues placed in circles to determine which cells must remain white. The final grid must follow strict rules regarding how black cells are placed.
What do the numbered clues mean in Kuromasu?
A numbered clue tells you exactly how many white cells are visible from that position, looking across the four orthogonal directions. This count includes the clued cell itself. By determining where this line of sight is blocked, you can figure out where to place the black cells.
Are there any restrictions on placing black cells in Kuromasu?
Yes, black cells cannot be orthogonally adjacent to one another; they cannot share an edge. Additionally, all the white cells must form a single, connected network. These constraints are crucial for logically deducing the correct solution.
Who publishes the Kuromasu puzzle?
Kuromasu is published by the Japanese puzzle company Nikoli. The name translates roughly to 'Where is the black cell?' in Japanese. It relies entirely on spatial logic and counting, rather than mathematics.
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