Sumplete FAQ: Fast Answers for How to Play, Modes & Tips
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Sumplete FAQ: Fast Answers for How to Play, Modes & Tips
We’ve compiled a guide of quick answers to all of the commonly asked Sumplete questions below ↓ ↓ ↓
Getting started
1. What is Sumplete in one sentence?
Sumplete is a daily number logic game that requires players to eliminate and select cells on a grid so that the sum of each vertical column and horizontal row equals the corresponding target “sum clues” for each line.
2. How do I play Sumplete?
When playing a game of Sumplete, players eliminate and select specific cells on the grid to solve for the sum clues on the perimeter of the board. Once all of the sum clue values have been reached, the board is complete, and the player wins the game! Learn how to play Sumplete.
3. What do the row and column numbers mean?
The numbers at the bottom of each column and to the right of each row are the “sum clues.” These are the target values that the sum of each column and row must individually reach in order for a player to clear the board and win the game.
4. What are “keep circles”?
When a player clicks a cell twice, a green “keep circle” will appear, indicating that the cell will be factored into the sum for that line. Clicking a cell once will “cross out” or eliminate the cell from consideration in the sum (a red X will appear over the cell in question).
5. What does auto-mark on the sum clue do? (click the target after selecting cells)
Once cells in a given line have been selected, a player can auto-mark the rest of the line by clicking on the corresponding sum clue. This will automatically eliminate any remaining cells in the grouping.
Modes, sizes & difficulty
6. What’s the difference between 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7?
The primary difference between the 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7 boards is the number of cells that the player must solve for in order to win the game. A 5×5 grid has 25 cells in play, while the 6×6 and 7×7 grids have 36 and 49 cells, respectively. Generally speaking, the larger the grid, the more difficult it is to solve.
7. Is 7×7 the hardest (Master) mode?
While the 7×7 daily grid is the hardest of the daily challenges, technically, the 9×9 Master is the hardest Master-mode board to play.
8. What’s a good time for each size? (ranges; encourage improvement, not perfection)
“Good times” range across the various grid sizes.
Most players complete the 5x5 daily board within 2 to 4 minutes, while the average time to solve the 6×6 board is anywhere between 4 and 6 minutes. Those who attempt the 7×7 Master mode will usually solve the board within 6 to 10 minutes.
Remember — the goal should not be to have a perfect run each game. It’s more important to ensure that your times are improving as you continue to play!
9. Can beginners play Master mode?
Yes, beginners can play Master mode and any of the other grid sizes and difficulties they’d like. However, we recommend new players try warming up on the 5×5 board before attempting the harder levels.
Controls, timer & streaks
10. Can I undo a move?
Yes, you can undo a move in Sumplete. To undo an elimination, simply click the cell twice. To undo a selection, click the cell once.
11. How does the timer work? (starts on first move; optional bragging rights)
The game timer begins as soon as the player clicks the red play icon or “Start Game” button. Players compete to solve the daily boards as fast as possible for bragging rights.
12. Do streaks or best times save?
Players who create Sumplete accounts will have their streaks and best times automatically saved.
Tips & strategy
13. What’s the fastest way to solve a board?
To solve a board as fast as possible, most players will begin by solving for the lines with the smallest sum clues before progressing to the larger targets.
14. How do I avoid dead ends?
To avoid dead ends, players should try to leave one candidate (unmarked cell) per line until they can confirm the numbers in that grouping. Each cell should be considered in the context of the column and row — this process is known as “zeroing” the intersected lines.
15. Any tricks for big targets (8s/9s)? (don’t rush; cross-check intersections)
Don’t rush when attempting to solve bigger sum clue targets! Take time to carefully cross-check your intersections. Eliminate and select cells accordingly. Rushing will only lead to more mistakes, dead boards, and wasted time!
Troubleshooting & devices
16. How do I reset or clear a puzzle?
You can reset or clear a Sumplete puzzle by clicking the “Clear” button on the daily games, or by clicking “Undo” when playing the other grid sizes until your board is clear.
17. It looks wrong after I cleared a line—what now?
If a line looks wrong or renders the intersecting line invalid after you’ve cleared it, re-scan the residual cells (the cells you have yet to select or eliminate). Then, determine whether they can be added together to meet the sum clue.
18. Does Sumplete work on phones and tablets? (mobile-friendly; gestures)
Yes, Sumplete is mobile-friendly. Players can use mobile gestures on their phone or tablet to eliminate or select cells and interact with the UI in ways that are very similar to the desktop experience.
19. I’m color-blind; is the board accessible?
Yes, Sumplete’s layout is color-blind friendly, and the mobile user experience is optimized for accessibility. Players who sign up for a free account can also access and adjust the high contrast settings to their liking.
About the game
20. Who created Sumplete?
Daniel Tait created Sumplete in the spring of 2023 through a series of ChatGPT prompts. Today, Sumplete is known as one of the first games to be produced with the assistance of ChatGPT.
21. Is it free to play?
Yes, Sumplete is 100% free to play.
22. Where can I suggest features or report bugs?
Players interested in suggesting features or reporting bugs can do so by clicking here.
Are you up to giving Sumplete a run?
Ready to give Sumplete’s Hard mode a try? Click below to play!