Sudoku variant · rules and tips

Renban Line

The digits on a Renban line form a run of consecutive numbers, in any order you like. A three-cell line might hold 2, 3 and 4 in whatever sequence pleases it. Order is optional; membership is not.

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Professor Cryptic, the owl who teaches in the app
Professor Cryptic explains the rule

The Professor's tips

How do you solve Renban Line?

01 / Warm up

Start on a 4 by 4 grid

  • A three-cell Renban on a 4 by 4 grid holds three consecutive digits from 1 to 4, so the set is 1, 2, 3 or 2, 3, 4.
  • The order along the line is irrelevant. Only the set must be consecutive, and that is precisely where a Renban differs from a thermometer.
  • One known digit settles a great deal. If a 4 lies on a three-cell line, the set can only be 2, 3 and 4.
02 / Level up

Then try a 6 by 6 grid

  • A four-cell Renban drawn from 1 to 6 admits three sets and no more: 1 to 4, 2 to 5, or 3 to 6.
  • Ruling a digit out of one cell on the line can eliminate whole sets at a stroke. Small causes, large effects.
  • A Renban cannot repeat, since consecutive numbers are distinct by nature. That constraint comes free of charge.
  • Where a Renban overlaps a box, the consecutive set and the box rule work together. It is a powerful partnership.

The rule, drawn

What does Renban Line look like?

  1. Renban Line rule illustration, step 1 of 2
  2. Renban Line rule illustration, step 2 of 2

Start with a single square

Where can you play Renban Line?

Renban Line is one of the 17 variants in Cryptic, each with a lesson and unlimited puzzles.

Get it onGoogle PlayPlay on the web