is a logic-based puzzle that has similarities to Sudoku and Minesweeper. The objective is to locate 12 hidden 'Holes' on an 8×8 grid. The board contains a variable number of arrows, each of which points to at least one Hole. A count of the number of Holes is given for each Row and Column.
Originally appearing in Japanese puzzle magazines, Shinro was popularized by its appearance in Southwest Airline's Spirit Magazine. It has since spawned web-based and iPhone versions.
Name
New York-based puzzle-writing company Puzzability has been credited with coining the name Shinro in 2007. The name translates to "compass bearing", referring to the arrows that point towards the Holes.
Availability
Websites: Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine, Fun and Games section Downloadable PDF with four puzzles Shinropuzzles website Printable puzzles with solutions Sternenhimmel (Babelfish translation) German variation where each arrow points to only one Hole Evolutionary Algorithm for Generation of Entertaining Shinro Logic Puzzles by David Oranchak playshinro.com online Shinro games
iPhone: Shinro Mines Jabeh with video tutorial Sudoku Shinro
Android: Shinro: Minefield