Country : India
Administrator posted @ 2011-09-15 1:21 PM
I am planning to participate in LMI Sudoku tests first time? What are the guidelines?
1) The first thing you need to do is read the rest of this thread.
2) Download the instruction booklet which is available in pdf format in the test page. Understand all Sudoku rules and practice the examples.
3) Check the forum thread corresponding to the test (click on "Discuss this test" on the test page)
If you still have questions, please post in the thread corresponding to the test.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:16 AM
1) The first thing you need to do is read the rest of this thread.
2) Download the instruction booklet which is available in pdf format in the test page. Understand all Sudoku rules and practice the examples.
3) Check the forum thread corresponding to the test (click on "Discuss this test" on the test page)
If you still have questions, please post in the thread corresponding to the test.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:16 AM
@ 2011-09-26 7:33 AM (#5695 - in reply to #5632) (#5695) Top
Country : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 7:33 AM
How do I participate in LMI Sudoku tests?
To participate, you need to be a registered member at LMI. You can go to the LMI monthly Sudoku test page. There are couple of easy steps.
• Step1
You first need to login. The login screen looks like the image below.
If you are participating in LMI test for the very first time, you also need to fill the country.
• Step2
You should be able to see a "Start Test" button. Note that this button will be greyed out if the test is yet to start. (Tests usually start at Saturday morning 00:00:01 GMT)
Before clicking on the button, you should unselect "Consider my results for LMI Sudoku Ratings", if you don't want to use this test results for LMI ratings.
• Step3
When you are ready to take the test, click on "Start Test".
Your timer starts when you click on this button. A password will be shown below the timer. Using this password, you can unlock the Puzzle Booklet.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:17 AM
To participate, you need to be a registered member at LMI. You can go to the LMI monthly Sudoku test page. There are couple of easy steps.
• Step1
You first need to login. The login screen looks like the image below.
If you are participating in LMI test for the very first time, you also need to fill the country.
• Step2
You should be able to see a "Start Test" button. Note that this button will be greyed out if the test is yet to start. (Tests usually start at Saturday morning 00:00:01 GMT)
Before clicking on the button, you should unselect "Consider my results for LMI Sudoku Ratings", if you don't want to use this test results for LMI ratings.
• Step3
When you are ready to take the test, click on "Start Test".
Your timer starts when you click on this button. A password will be shown below the timer. Using this password, you can unlock the Puzzle Booklet.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:17 AM
@ 2011-09-26 7:55 AM (#5696 - in reply to #5632) (#5696) TopCountry : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 7:55 AM
How do I submit answers / solutions?
In most Sudoku tests, there are 2 ways to submit answer.
1) Paper mode : Download the password protected pdf, unlock it using the password, print, and solve on paper. Submit the answer codes using the 'answer form' meant for paper solvers.
2) Online mode : Sudoku grids are also available to be solved online. You can solve and submit online as well.
Note : Some tests may not have online modes. (Effective from May'2011). The information will usually be posted in forum. Please ask in forum, if it is not already posted.
Paper Mode
Typically, each Sudoku has 2 answer codes. They could be rows / columns or any combination of them. It will be marked in the pdf. After you solve the sudoku, enter the answer code using the paper form.
Please read the answer codes carefully (preferably before you start the test)
After solving on paper, submit the answer codes for each puzzle you have solved.
After filling your answer, if the text box does not completely turn white, it means answer code has a typo or a formatting error. (i.e. you are entering something unexpected and there is an error in your answer code)
Please fix it before submitting. Even if red warnings are present, your submission will be recorded after you click on Submit button.
Also, note that if a text box doesn't have red warning next to it, that doesn't mean the puzzle is correct.
Online Mode
If you scroll down below the 'paper form', you would see flash for the Sudoku grids which can be solved online.
This has basic features like pencil marks, undo, coloring.
It is important that you get familiar with LMI flash if you are planning to use it during the test.
[ One note : To remove a pencil mark, you can "Control+left mouse click" on the number OR press "Control+digit" in the keyboard ]
Each Sudoku has a submit button. Click on Submit as soon as you are complete.
Paper Vs Online
We don't recommend which mode to use. You must decide that yourself (depending upon factors like printer availability, type/size of Sudoku etc)
Even you might decide to solve some sudokus in paper mode and some using online.
Submissions via email or any other means will not be accepted.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:17 AM
In most Sudoku tests, there are 2 ways to submit answer.
1) Paper mode : Download the password protected pdf, unlock it using the password, print, and solve on paper. Submit the answer codes using the 'answer form' meant for paper solvers.
2) Online mode : Sudoku grids are also available to be solved online. You can solve and submit online as well.
Note : Some tests may not have online modes. (Effective from May'2011). The information will usually be posted in forum. Please ask in forum, if it is not already posted.
Paper Mode
Typically, each Sudoku has 2 answer codes. They could be rows / columns or any combination of them. It will be marked in the pdf. After you solve the sudoku, enter the answer code using the paper form.
Please read the answer codes carefully (preferably before you start the test)
After solving on paper, submit the answer codes for each puzzle you have solved.
After filling your answer, if the text box does not completely turn white, it means answer code has a typo or a formatting error. (i.e. you are entering something unexpected and there is an error in your answer code)
Please fix it before submitting. Even if red warnings are present, your submission will be recorded after you click on Submit button.
Also, note that if a text box doesn't have red warning next to it, that doesn't mean the puzzle is correct.
Online Mode
If you scroll down below the 'paper form', you would see flash for the Sudoku grids which can be solved online.
This has basic features like pencil marks, undo, coloring.
It is important that you get familiar with LMI flash if you are planning to use it during the test.
[ One note : To remove a pencil mark, you can "Control+left mouse click" on the number OR press "Control+digit" in the keyboard ]
Each Sudoku has a submit button. Click on Submit as soon as you are complete.
Paper Vs Online
We don't recommend which mode to use. You must decide that yourself (depending upon factors like printer availability, type/size of Sudoku etc)
Even you might decide to solve some sudokus in paper mode and some using online.
Submissions via email or any other means will not be accepted.
Edited by debmohanty 2011-09-26 8:17 AM
@ 2011-09-26 8:01 AM (#5697 - in reply to #5632) (#5697) TopCountry : India
@ 2011-09-26 8:05 AM (#5698 - in reply to #5632) (#5698) TopCountry : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 8:05 AM
What is Claim Bonus button?
In Jun'2011, LMI introduced something called "Claim Bonus". This equivalent to "turning in your paper after completing all puzzles" in an offline event. This button is placed next to "Submit" button.
Most LMI tests are designed such that top solvers are expected to solve all puzzles within the time limit. Therefore every test has a "time bonus" which is awarded if all puzzles are solved before time. Typically the "time bonus" per minute is around "total points in the test" / "length of the test".
As soon as you complete and submit all sudokus, you should "Claim Bonus". It is not a bad idea to check all submissions once because you can no more submit or change your answer after you claim bonus. Bonus points are computed from the time when you "Claim Bonus", not from the time when you last submitted your answer.
Also note that "Claim Bonus" also submits all answers those are not submitted. So, if you want to save few seconds after entering all your answers, you can directly click on "Claim Bonus" button.
Some tests have "partial bonus points". This is awarded when the player submits all sudokus, but one of them is wrong. Administrators and test authors reserve the right to determine if the player has made a genuine attempt at the sudoku. If they believe so, partial bonus points are given (which is much less that 'full' bonus points)
In Jun'2011, LMI introduced something called "Claim Bonus". This equivalent to "turning in your paper after completing all puzzles" in an offline event. This button is placed next to "Submit" button.
Most LMI tests are designed such that top solvers are expected to solve all puzzles within the time limit. Therefore every test has a "time bonus" which is awarded if all puzzles are solved before time. Typically the "time bonus" per minute is around "total points in the test" / "length of the test".
As soon as you complete and submit all sudokus, you should "Claim Bonus". It is not a bad idea to check all submissions once because you can no more submit or change your answer after you claim bonus. Bonus points are computed from the time when you "Claim Bonus", not from the time when you last submitted your answer.
Also note that "Claim Bonus" also submits all answers those are not submitted. So, if you want to save few seconds after entering all your answers, you can directly click on "Claim Bonus" button.
Some tests have "partial bonus points". This is awarded when the player submits all sudokus, but one of them is wrong. Administrators and test authors reserve the right to determine if the player has made a genuine attempt at the sudoku. If they believe so, partial bonus points are given (which is much less that 'full' bonus points)
@ 2011-09-26 8:06 AM (#5699 - in reply to #5632) (#5699) TopCountry : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 8:06 AM
I have completed the test. How do I know my score?
The link to score page is available at the test submission page.
Note that while the test is running
1) you can view the score page from the same browser you took the test from
2) you can see only your submitted answers.
3) in most cases, you should be able to see others' overall score (no breakdown)
4) you can not refresh the score page more than once in a 30 minutes time period
LMI likes to experiment with the score pages, and so in some tests you might notice some oddities :-) Typically they are not 'bugs', however if you believe that something is definitely wrong, please post in forum.
After the test is over
1) you can see everyone else's submitted answers and time of submission
2) you can see correct answer for every puzzle
3) there is no restriction on refresh time (though the score page is unlikely to change anyway)
The link to score page is available at the test submission page.
Note that while the test is running
1) you can view the score page from the same browser you took the test from
2) you can see only your submitted answers.
3) in most cases, you should be able to see others' overall score (no breakdown)
4) you can not refresh the score page more than once in a 30 minutes time period
LMI likes to experiment with the score pages, and so in some tests you might notice some oddities :-) Typically they are not 'bugs', however if you believe that something is definitely wrong, please post in forum.
After the test is over
1) you can see everyone else's submitted answers and time of submission
2) you can see correct answer for every puzzle
3) there is no restriction on refresh time (though the score page is unlikely to change anyway)
@ 2011-09-26 8:09 AM (#5700 - in reply to #5632) (#5700) TopCountry : India
@ 2011-09-26 8:09 AM (#5701 - in reply to #5632) (#5701) TopCountry : India
@ 2011-09-26 8:10 AM (#5702 - in reply to #5632) (#5702) TopCountry : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 8:10 AM
When is the next LMI Sudoku test? How do I get notified?
The schedule for LMI tests are published at this thread
This link is same as "Monthly Tests" link you see at the top of the web page.
Also, link to the next active test is always available in forum (top right corner)
Typically, monthly tests are announced 10 days before the test dates.
We also send emails to players if they have participated in earlier monthly tests.
Apart from LMI forum, we also announce about tests in other puzzle forums (UKPA, forum.logic-masters.de, sudokuvariante.forumactif.com, forsmarts.com/forum, wpf forum)
The schedule for LMI tests are published at this thread
This link is same as "Monthly Tests" link you see at the top of the web page.
Also, link to the next active test is always available in forum (top right corner)
Typically, monthly tests are announced 10 days before the test dates.
We also send emails to players if they have participated in earlier monthly tests.
Apart from LMI forum, we also announce about tests in other puzzle forums (UKPA, forum.logic-masters.de, sudokuvariante.forumactif.com, forsmarts.com/forum, wpf forum)
@ 2011-09-26 8:10 AM (#5703 - in reply to #5632) (#5703) TopCountry : India
@ 2011-09-26 8:11 AM (#5704 - in reply to #5632) (#5704) TopCountry : India
debmohanty posted @ 2011-09-26 8:11 AM
I see from score page that sudokus are rated. How do I rate sudokus?
Sudokus can be rated from the test submission page. Rating stars are available below each sudoku. Click on the star to rate the sudokus. (More stars means better puzzle)
There is no submit button, just clicking on the star is enough. If you've rated a puzzle, the stars will have a different color.
Authors look forward to any kind of feedback regarding the sudokus. It is nice to rate the sudokus. [But please don't experiment with the stars - we have seen that some players just click on the stars for fun. It is not advisable ]
It is not necessary to rate the sudokus while the timer is on. In fact, we recommend that you rate the sudokus only after you finish the test.
Starting Jan'2011, the ratings are made anonymous (that means no player can see what other player has rated)
Sudokus can be rated from the test submission page. Rating stars are available below each sudoku. Click on the star to rate the sudokus. (More stars means better puzzle)
There is no submit button, just clicking on the star is enough. If you've rated a puzzle, the stars will have a different color.
Authors look forward to any kind of feedback regarding the sudokus. It is nice to rate the sudokus. [But please don't experiment with the stars - we have seen that some players just click on the stars for fun. It is not advisable ]
It is not necessary to rate the sudokus while the timer is on. In fact, we recommend that you rate the sudokus only after you finish the test.
Starting Jan'2011, the ratings are made anonymous (that means no player can see what other player has rated)
@ 2012-01-03 4:01 PM (#6349 - in reply to #5632) (#6349) TopCountry : India
@ 2012-05-13 3:32 PM (#7244 - in reply to #5632) (#7244) Top @ 2012-05-13 4:56 PM (#7245 - in reply to #7244) (#7245) TopPosts: 1801
Country : India
@ 2013-01-30 9:19 AM (#9613 - in reply to #5632) (#9613) Top @ 2013-01-30 9:54 AM (#9614 - in reply to #9613) (#9614) TopCountry : India
@ 2013-07-28 2:21 PM (#11951 - in reply to #5632) (#11951) Top @ 2013-07-28 3:23 PM (#11952 - in reply to #11951) (#11952) TopPosts: 1801
Country : India
@ 2013-08-08 10:18 PM (#12124 - in reply to #5632) (#12124) Top @ 2013-08-08 11:57 PM (#12125 - in reply to #12124) (#12125) TopPosts: 1801
Country : India
@ 2013-08-11 2:04 PM (#12183 - in reply to #5632) (#12183) Top @ 2014-05-31 11:03 AM (#15537 - in reply to #5696) (#15537) Top @ 2014-05-31 12:39 PM (#15539 - in reply to #15537) (#15539) TopPosts: 1801
Country : India
@ 2014-06-01 8:39 AM (#15557 - in reply to #5632) (#15557) Top @ 2014-06-01 8:42 AM (#15558 - in reply to #15557) (#15558) TopCountry : India