Sorry for the delayed reply.

Thanks Deb! Thanks to the test solvers Zoltan and Branko! Thanks to all 256 participants and everyone who provided feedback.

Spiral Galaxies was voted as the most liked set and I had the same opinion while creating this test. Based on the overall feedback, I found that many participants, even the more accomplished ones, have accepted that they are not too familiar with SG. I am satisfied with the broad puzzle categories that we came up with in this test. My personal favourites from this set were SG3, SG4, SG4/5 and NR Fillomino. So, we can say, I was a little biased towards SG in this test.

Really happy to see 16 Indians with 50+ score in this test. Special mention for Rohan, Amit and Jayant for their good performance in this test. And Ras-hmi and bapusp90 for trying too hard!

Based on the submission times of some of the top players in this test (EKBM, deu, rob, Takeya, uvo, Rohan), I tried to calculate the point distribution, and the results are as below:


As already noted, the SG3 should have had about 11 points and the SH4 could have had 5 points. Other than that, the points distribution matches the outcome. This was known before the test but we did not want it to be SG-heavy test point-wise. So, even though the SGs were a little challenging, they had less points value per minute.

This was my first test as an author. I am happy with the constructive feeedback received and will ensure the future tests in PR and otherwise, would benefit from the same. It is difficult to have a test which appeals equally to beginners and seasoners. The attempt was there to balance the experience for all participants. I wanted the best Indian solver complete the test in 45-55 minutes and was able to meet this target. Also, happy to see some of the participants do well and finish a test for the first time.

Maybe make harder Shikakus and easier SGs, then?

Didn't like Swaroop's performance? ;-)

Swaroop should have done better in terms of timing.

He he, I agree.

Solutions booklet uploaded.