SPLIT ENDS by KrazyDad

The puzzles in this print collection all share the same unique mechanism: When a symbol extends to the edges of a cell, such as an I, Y or T, it cannot form a straight line by connecting to another symbol. Touching is permitted, but only if the line bends at the point they touch. Here are some example pairings, to illustrate this constraint:

These puzzles also require a specific distribution of symbols on each row and column. For example, on the STRAITS puzzle, there are four symbols (four orientations of the line, each clued with a different color), and each row and column contains exactly two of each. The YO! puzzles contain four different Ys and two Os on each line, and the TOTO puzzles work similarly with 4 Ts and 2 Os.

The basic idea for these puzzles comes from Peter Bruin, of the Netherlands, who first sent me his STRAITS puzzles (called DUBBEL EN DWARS in Dutch). After I shared these with the Krazydad Community on Discord, several other variations were suggested, mostly by Jared McComb. Peter and I contributed some more ideas, as well. Once again, the Krazydad Community has proven very productive! Big thanks to Peter and Jared, and also Phil Bordelon who helped review and edit these.

Each collection is ordered by difficulty, with the easiest puzzles in Book 1, and the hardest in Book 100.

Want to save some trees? Try the interactive version of Split Ends.

• TOTO Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 4 Ts (four different orientations), and 2 Os. A good starter puzzle!

• STRAITS Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 2 of each line (four different orientations).

• YO! Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 4 Ys (four different orientations), and 2 Os.

• TEES Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 2 of each tee shape (four different orientations).

• STRAITS 12 Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 3 of each line (four different orientations).

• BENDS Puzzles

  Each row and column contains 8 different bendy shapes. These may bend your brain!

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