The Not Alone variation is based on the Not Alone genre. It uses similar logic as the alternating Masyu variation, where the loop has to alternate between black and white circles. In this type the loop isn't allowed to alternate between white and black circles. In other words, every circle is preceded or followed by at least one circle of the same colour. I think it works nicely in this puzzle and decreases the amount of circles necessary.
The No Touch variant was seen first on Palmer Mebane's blog. It has seen some appearance in other people's blogs and the Indian Puzzle Championship as well. It was mere coincidence that I spotted that the opening worked just as nicely for this variant. I couldn't just let it go and worked with the same opening to create a second puzzle. I think it worked out well.
Rules for Masyu
Not Alone Masyu:
Follow regular Masyu rules. Additionally the loop may never alternate between black and white circles. In other words, every circle is preceded or followed by at least one circle of the same colour.
No Touch Masyu:
Follow regular Masyu rules. Additionally, no two unused squares may share a border.
If you look at the no touch here as a variation it didnt have enough of it,as only the first half on the left side involved some no touch logic(the enjoyable U-shaped lines that you referring to as a new progress idea).After that, it was a plain classic masyu, and a very nice one.
ReplyDeleteGreat puzzles.
ReplyDeleteGareth
Thanks.
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