Logic Puzzles: "Paint-Doku"

I like logic puzzles.  They are a nice change of pace from the fast paced games I usually play on my computer and consoles.  I usually enjoy them as a wind down mental exercise before I go to bed while I'm watching Netflix. 

One of the reasons I chose these types of puzzles is because I like them...and I've seen research that says working on logic puzzles increases your mental capacity, awareness, etc. etc.  These are good things in my mind (HA, get it?). 

Anyway...during college I used to keep a Sudoku book in my backpack next to my sketchbook.  That way if I got bored duri....in between classes...I could either sketch or work on a Sudoku puzzle. 

Most people have at least heard of Sudoku.  It is the number puzzle were there are 9 large squares, with 9 smaller squares in them.  Each puzzle then has a certain amount of given numbers randomly input in the smaller squares.  The idea is to use the numbers 1-9 to fill out the remaining smaller squares.  The catch is that each number can only be used once in each big square, row and column.  It is a great mental exercise as I said before.  The problem I have with Sudoku is it gets boring.  You are just staring at the same 9 numbers over and over again. 

Recently I came across a new type of puzzle in the same sort of style of Sudoku, but different enough that each puzzle feels like a new challenge...not the same thing over and over again.  The new puzzles I have been working on are called, "Paint-doku".  I have seen them called a couple of different names, but I like that one the best.  Below are the books I have been using.

There are two different kinds of these puzzles that I have been messing around with.  The first is the standard kind.  It's black and white, and is pretty straight forward.  The second kind is dual colored and requires a little bit more thinking (in my opinion).

The object of these types of puzzles is to use the numbers on the top and side to fill in squares.  Each number corresponds to the number of filled in squares in a row.  Each set of filled in squares must have at least one blank space in between it and the next number of squares (except when you add the second color).  Example: If the numbers are - 5 1 4 - that means that there are 5 in a row, then at least one blank.  Then there is a 1 and at least one blank before the last set of 4.  Once all of the numbers have been used, the completed puzzle has some sort of picture in it. 

When you add a second color, the blanks are only between the same color.  The opposite color can be touching the first color.  Example: If you had - 5 black, 1 red, 4 black, 2 black - there would be 5 black in a row, then possibly followed by a blank space, or the 1 red, which could then be followed by blank spaces or the 4 black.  After the 4 black, though, you would need at least 1 blank before the last 2 black.

Below is a close-up of each type of puzzle.  The left is the standard black and white, and the right is the dual colored puzzle.  Each dual colored puzzle has a recommended second color shown by the opposite numbers.  This puzzle's recommended second color is red.

Below are some examples of puzzles I have completed. 

I use dots for the blank spots in both sets.  In the two color version I use diagonal lines through a square rather than a different color.  I like to be able to correct my mistakes by erasing, and I make a lot of mistakes... so using a different colored pen or colored pencil that can't be erased would make it tough to complete a puzzle for me at least.

Long story short, these are fun little puzzles that work your brain.  They give me (and hopefully you too) a greater sense of accomplishment when they are complete than I get from the standard Sudoku puzzles.  I would recommend these if you are looking for something to work your brain, and get a neat little picture at the end.

If you have any thoughts or would like me to go more in depth in a step by step walk-through of a puzzle, let me know via the comments below.

- Zach