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Magic Cube — LMI July Puzzle Test #2 — 30th and 31st July50 posts • Page 1 of 2 • 1 2
@ 2011-07-22 6:23 PM (#5254 - in reply to #5196) (#5254) Top

Ours brun




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Ours brun posted @ 2011-07-22 6:23 PM

Way better like this. It solves very nicely.

I cannot tell if there are other mistakes, since I haven't been able to solve all the examples yet... Just one thing : it may be me, but I find the "bold" borders sometimes not bold enough. In particular I find them difficult to see in the star battle puzzle. Is there a chance that they will be a bit thicker on the competition puzzles ?
@ 2011-07-22 11:53 PM (#5255 - in reply to #5254) (#5255) Top

Valezius



Posts: 66
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Country : Hungary

Valezius posted @ 2011-07-22 11:53 PM

Ours brun - 2011-07-22 6:23 PM

Way better like this. It solves very nicely.

I cannot tell if there are other mistakes, since I haven't been able to solve all the examples yet... Just one thing : it may be me, but I find the "bold" borders sometimes not bold enough. In particular I find them difficult to see in the star battle puzzle. Is there a chance that they will be a bit thicker on the competition puzzles ?


Hi, thank you for the comment. Unfortunately I have technical problems, and I drew the grids. So if I can solve the problems than I will change the Star battle's grid. I cannt promise this now.

Zoltán
@ 2011-07-25 10:56 AM (#5258 - in reply to #5196) (#5258) Top

debmohanty




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Country : India

debmohanty posted @ 2011-07-25 10:56 AM

About the pdf size

The IB pdf size is larger than usual, and that is because of the way images are embedded. The puzzle booklet will be created in similar way.
If anyone is having printing problems with the IB, they should try to change their printer settings.

As mentioned in IB, all puzzles in the IB are decent sized puzzles, and one should anyway print and solve them as practice. All puzzles are uniquely designed, and it is rare to find practice materials around the web.
@ 2011-07-26 5:25 PM (#5262 - in reply to #5196) (#5262) Top

PuzzleScot



Posts: 31
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Country : United Kingdom

PuzzleScot posted @ 2011-07-26 5:25 PM

For #3 - Cave. The answer key appears to represent the lengths of separate UNpainted cell blocks (ie, cells within the cave). The answer key description implies the opposite.
@ 2011-07-26 10:34 PM (#5264 - in reply to #5196) (#5264) Top

PuzzleScot



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PuzzleScot posted @ 2011-07-26 10:34 PM

I can see now that solutions are given at the end of the booklet (I like that arrangement!). However, I would be surprised if anyone greyed the cells INSIDE the cave whilst solving, so I still think the answer key description is illogical.
@ 2011-07-26 10:59 PM (#5265 - in reply to #5264) (#5265) Top

debmohanty




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Country : India

debmohanty posted @ 2011-07-26 10:59 PM

I agree - it is unlikely that anyone will shade the cells inside the cave.

However, the answer key description matches the way the solution is presented.
May be the following description is better "Write the lengths of separate blocks of cave cells in the marked rows. The answer for the example would be: 213, 15"
@ 2011-07-27 1:51 AM (#5266 - in reply to #5264) (#5266) Top

Para



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Para posted @ 2011-07-27 1:51 AM

PuzzleScot - 2011-07-26 10:34 PM

However, I would be surprised if anyone greyed the cells INSIDE the cave whilst solving, so I still think the answer key description is illogical.


Actually, this is exactly how i solve these puzzles. I grey the cells which are inside the cave and place crosses for cells outside the cave. I used to have a different notation, but since I use this notation I am able to solve these puzzles much easier. It's the same as my notation for puzzles like LITS and Tapa.

Edited by Para 2011-07-27 1:53 AM
@ 2011-07-27 11:26 AM (#5267 - in reply to #5196) (#5267) Top

Administrator



2000100050020
Country : India

Administrator posted @ 2011-07-27 11:26 AM

A newer version of IB is uploaded after rephrasing the answer key of Cave puzzle.

Here is what the new IB reads :

Answer: Write the lengths of separate selected cell
blocks
in the marked rows. The answer for the
example would be: 213, 15

NOTE: Please count the number of the cells which
form the cave (the selected cell blocks)!
Corrected on 26th July



NOTE : There is no change in rules. It is just rephrasing of answer key.
@ 2011-07-27 11:39 AM (#5268 - in reply to #5267) (#5268) Top

rakesh_rai




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rakesh_rai posted @ 2011-07-27 11:39 AM

The examples in the IB were of a medium to hard level mostly.

What is the largest cube size that we can expect in the actual test? (I hope you'll not say 9x9x9)

Edited by rakesh_rai 2011-07-27 11:39 AM
@ 2011-07-27 11:46 AM (#5269 - in reply to #5268) (#5269) Top

debmohanty




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Country : India

debmohanty posted @ 2011-07-27 11:46 AM

Regarding sizes, there are not really big sized cubes. In fact, in most puzzles, the cubes sizes are identical to the example cube sizes.

Just like earlier WPCs in Hungary, the puzzle-makers have at least one easy puzzle in each of the types. I thought I should mention that, although it should be obvious from the points table.

So, I think there are enough easy puzzles, although the challenge still remains to get used to 'cubes' and to get 33 puzzles out in 120 minutes.
@ 2011-07-27 3:58 PM (#5270 - in reply to #5254) (#5270) Top

Valezius



Posts: 66
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Country : Hungary

Valezius posted @ 2011-07-27 3:58 PM

Ours brun - 2011-07-22 6:23 PM

Way better like this. It solves very nicely.

I cannot tell if there are other mistakes, since I haven't been able to solve all the examples yet... Just one thing : it may be me, but I find the "bold" borders sometimes not bold enough. In particular I find them difficult to see in the star battle puzzle. Is there a chance that they will be a bit thicker on the competition puzzles ?


Good news. The bolder lines in Capsules, Heyawake, Sudoku, Star battle and Magic snail will be thicker.

Zoltán
@ 2011-07-27 5:06 PM (#5271 - in reply to #5268) (#5271) Top

Valezius



Posts: 66
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Country : Hungary

Valezius posted @ 2011-07-27 5:06 PM

rakesh_rai - 2011-07-27 11:39 AM

The examples in the IB were of a medium to hard level mostly.

What is the largest cube size that we can expect in the actual test? (I hope you'll not say 9x9x9)


This isn't secret :) The biggest cube is 6x6x6, it has 108 cells. Little bigger than a normal 10x10 grid.
@ 2011-07-28 9:55 AM (#5272 - in reply to #5196) (#5272) Top

Administrator



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Country : India

Administrator posted @ 2011-07-28 9:55 AM

Attention top players

Bonus points
==========

It is not mentioned in the IB, but everyone completing all 33 puzzles correctly before 120 minutes will get '9 points per minute saved' as bonus points.
As discussed couple of times in the past, we are introducing a "Claim Bonus" feature.
There will be a button next to "Submit".



This button will enabled only after all the puzzles are filled (either correctly or incorrectly).

After clicking this button,
1) first, all unsubmitted-puzzles will be submitted
2) submission will not be allowed any more
3) player can view the score page

Time bonus will be computed from the time this button is clicked.

In effect, this button works like "I'm done" in an offline event.
@ 2011-07-28 1:38 PM (#5273 - in reply to #5266) (#5273) Top

drsteve



Posts: 12

Country : United Kingdom

drsteve posted @ 2011-07-28 1:38 PM

Para - 2011-07-26 8:51 PM

PuzzleScot - 2011-07-26 10:34 PM

However, I would be surprised if anyone greyed the cells INSIDE the cave whilst solving, so I still think the answer key description is illogical.


Actually, this is exactly how i solve these puzzles. I grey the cells which are inside the cave and place crosses for cells outside the cave. I used to have a different notation, but since I use this notation I am able to solve these puzzles much easier. It's the same as my notation for puzzles like LITS and Tapa.


Ditto - that's exactly the way I do Caves as well. Seems to work pretty well.
@ 2011-07-28 4:40 PM (#5274 - in reply to #5196) (#5274) Top

kiwijam



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kiwijam posted @ 2011-07-28 4:40 PM

I'm interested in finding good fast notation. But I'm worried that greying in cells is time-consuming.
@Para & drsteve: how do you grey the cells? Do you scribble to colour all the cell? draw a zig-zag line side-to-side of 4-5 segments? or use a wider pen that makes it easier?
@ 2011-07-28 11:42 PM (#5276 - in reply to #5196) (#5276) Top

Administrator



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Country : India

Administrator posted @ 2011-07-28 11:42 PM

Password protected puzzle booklet (12 pages - no cover page) will be available 6 hours before the test. Flash submission will also be enabled 6 hours before the test.

Points claims should be made through the score page. As per suggestion during Fivefold, a textbox is added for each claim. You can also send messages to Valezius
@ 2011-07-29 1:27 AM (#5277 - in reply to #5274) (#5277) Top

Para



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Para posted @ 2011-07-29 1:27 AM

kiwijam - 2011-07-28 4:40 PM

I'm interested in finding good fast notation. But I'm worried that greying in cells is time-consuming.
@Para & drsteve: how do you grey the cells? Do you scribble to colour all the cell? draw a zig-zag line side-to-side of 4-5 segments? or use a wider pen that makes it easier?


I just try to grey the whole cell lightly, i'm not very neat with colouring, just try to fill most of the cell. Timewise this might be a bit slower, but it gives me a better overview of the puzzle. That way I see best what cells are inside the loop as those are the important cells while solving/counting. I feel it's faster for me because I get a better view of what cells can be seen by the numbers. I used to employ the notation Thomas showed in his post (http://motris.livejournal.com/145824.html#cutid1), but it always led to miscounts and missing diagonally connect squares. It really didn't work for me.
It's all a matter of personal taste. You should get a few puzzles and just try a few ways and see what feels most natural to you. I used to always get hopelessly stuck on these puzzles in the USPC (only place I ever saw them) but this way I can do them pretty well.
@ 2011-07-29 7:46 PM (#5279 - in reply to #5274) (#5279) Top

drsteve



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Country : United Kingdom

drsteve posted @ 2011-07-29 7:46 PM

kiwijam - 2011-07-28 11:40 AM

I'm interested in finding good fast notation. But I'm worried that greying in cells is time-consuming.
@Para & drsteve: how do you grey the cells? Do you scribble to colour all the cell? draw a zig-zag line side-to-side of 4-5 segments? or use a wider pen that makes it easier?


Just scribble really. It might waste a couple of milliseconds, but it's less exact that putting a X or an O. Besides, I'd probably forget which was which with X and O.
@ 2011-07-29 10:12 PM (#5280 - in reply to #5196) (#5280) Top

Valezius



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Valezius posted @ 2011-07-29 10:12 PM

I heard more times that the examples are too hard. This is true, hence i wrote about the test on UKPA forum. I copy it here:

"Don't forget, there are 33 puzzles and 120minutes. The average difficulty cannot be too high.
The first puzzle from every type is really easy, I promise ;-). And more easier than the sample. In many cases the medium puzzle is easier than the sample. Finally, you can see from the points in most cases the 3rd puzzle has same difficulty than the 2nd."

Don't panic :)
@ 2011-07-30 2:33 AM (#5281 - in reply to #5196) (#5281) Top

debmohanty




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debmohanty posted @ 2011-07-30 2:33 AM

A new puzzle pdf file was uploaded at 20:30 GMT on 29th July (02:00 IST on 30th July). Please download the new pdf again.
@ 2011-07-30 6:03 PM (#5282 - in reply to #5196) (#5282) Top

debmohanty




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Country : India

debmohanty posted @ 2011-07-30 6:03 PM

We found a problem in Slalom 2. It has been fixed and a new puzzle pdf is uploaded at 17:45 (IST) / 12:15 (GMT) on 30-July. Please download the new pdf.

Note the new pdf password is different from old pdf.
@ 2011-07-30 6:46 PM (#5284 - in reply to #5196) (#5284) Top

deu



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deu posted @ 2011-07-30 6:46 PM

Thanks for a "WPC Preview" contest!
Slalom 2:
I erased all twice, and in the 3rd trial, I assumed that I had fixed my mistake.
Can I (and other participants) get 30 points for this puzzle?
@ 2011-07-30 7:11 PM (#5285 - in reply to #5284) (#5285) Top

Valezius



Posts: 66
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Valezius posted @ 2011-07-30 7:11 PM

deu - 2011-07-30 6:46 PM

Thanks for a "WPC Preview" contest!
Slalom 2:
I erased all twice, and in the 3rd trial, I assumed that I had fixed my mistake.
Can I (and other participants) get 30 points for this puzzle?


Yes, of course, you can (and others). But just later. Dont worry :-)

I hope you will have better memories about the test and not just the Slalom2 ;-)
@ 2011-07-31 5:05 AM (#5286 - in reply to #5196) (#5286) Top

MellowMelon



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Country : United States

MellowMelon posted @ 2011-07-31 5:05 AM

A great test; really hoping I qualify for Hungary now. I can't believe I screwed THAT type up though...

With regard to the oops on the slalom, is there any decision on what will be done with the ratings? Will this one just be excluded?

Edited by MellowMelon 2011-07-31 5:05 AM
@ 2011-07-31 4:20 PM (#5287 - in reply to #5286) (#5287) Top

Valezius



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Valezius posted @ 2011-07-31 4:20 PM

MellowMelon - 2011-07-31 5:05 AM

A great test; really hoping I qualify for Hungary now. I can't believe I screwed THAT type up though...

With regard to the oops on the slalom, is there any decision on what will be done with the ratings? Will this one just be excluded?



Thank you. I checked your solution during the test. I dont think it can be good :)

We have discussed the situation with Deb. We wont cancel the Slalom-2.
There were 15 solutions when we detected the mistake. 2 submission are same with the offical solution and 11 submissions contain just 1 "wrong" digit.
In my opinion who could type a solution with 5 correct digit, spent enough time and could solve the puzzle.
Hence all 15 solver will get the points. (I wrote this previously)

I know there are some people who trid to solve the puzzle but couldnt and he typed nothing.
But just 20 people solved the Slalom-1 and I think maximum 2 people started slalom-2 instead of slalom-1.

I would like to apologize to everybody who spend time because of this puzzle.
Magic Cube — LMI July Puzzle Test #2 — 30th and 31st July50 posts • Page 1 of 2 • 1 2
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