Play Sumplete Online
What Is Sumplete?
Sumplete is a logic puzzle where players are given a grid filled with numbers. Each row and column has a target sum displayed at its end. The objective is to delete certain numbers so that the remaining numbers in each row and column add up to their respective targets.
Key Features of Sumplete:
Grid Sizes: Ranging from beginner-friendly 3×3 grids to expert-level 9×9 grids.
Negative Numbers:Â Advanced puzzles may include negative numbers, increasing difficulty.
Simple Controls:Â Players click or tap numbers to mark them for deletion (X) or to keep them (green circle).
Instant Feedback:Â Correct solutions light up the target numbers, signaling success.
How Was Sumplete Created?
Sumplete was born when Daniel Tait asked ChatGPT to invent a new logic puzzle similar to Sudoku but unlike any existing game. After several iterations, ChatGPT proposed “Sum Delete” (later renamed Sumplete) and even generated HTML and JavaScript code for a playable version within seconds. Tait then refined the game and launched it on sumplete.com.
How to Play Sumplete
Basic Rules
Grid Setup: The game presents a grid (e.g., 4×4, 5×5) with numbers in each cell and target sums for rows and columns.
Deleting Numbers:
Click once to mark a number for deletion (red X).
Click twice to confirm keeping it (green circle).
Click a third time to reset the cell.
Winning Condition:Â The remaining numbers in each row and column must sum to the given targets.
Example Puzzle
Consider a simple 3×3 grid:
| 5 | 3 | 2 |Â 10Â |
| 1 | 4 | 6 |Â 11Â |
| 7 | 2 | 3 |Â 12Â |
14Â |Â 9Â |Â 11Â |
Solution: Delete the 3 in the first row and the 6 in the second row to match the row/column sums.
Advanced Strategies
Start with Rows/Columns with Fewer Combinations:Â Smaller target sums are easier to solve first.
Look for Forced Deletions:Â If keeping a number breaks a row/column sum, it must be deleted.
Use Process of Elimination:Â Negative numbers in larger grids require careful balancing.
The Mathematics Behind Sumplete
Sumplete isn’t just a fun game—it’s also a subject of mathematical research. A 2024 paper proved that Sumplete is NP-complete, meaning solving large grids is computationally complex.
Key Findings:
NP-Completeness:Â Determining whether a Sumplete puzzle has a solution is as hard as the most difficult problems in computer science.
Restricted vs. General Sumplete:
Restricted Sumplete:Â Uses only positive numbers (0 < x < 20).
General Sumplete:Â Allows any integers, including negatives.
Physical Zero-Knowledge Proofs:Â Researchers developed a card-based method to prove a solution exists without revealing it.
Where to Play Sumplete
Online Versions
Official Website – The original browser-based game1.
Minecraft Datapack – A mod allowing Sumplete gameplay within Minecraft.
Physical and Print Formats
Paperback Book – Contains over 100 puzzles with solutions (Amazon).
Community Mods – Some developers have created custom implementations.
Sumplete is a brilliant example of AI-human collaboration in game design. Its simple rules, deep strategy, and mathematical complexity make it a standout puzzle game. Whether you’re a casual player or a logic enthusiast, Sumplete offers a fresh and engaging challenge.
FAQ About Sumplete
1. Is Sumplete free to play?
Yes! The official version at sumplete.com is completely free.
2. How is Sumplete different from Sudoku?
Sudoku requires filling numbers without repetition, while Sumplete involves deleting numbers to match sums.
3. Can Sumplete puzzles have multiple solutions?
Most puzzles are designed with one unique solution, but some variants may allow multiple answers.
4. What’s the hardest Sumplete grid size?
The 9×9 grid with negative numbers is the most challenging.
5. Was Sumplete really made by AI?
Yes! ChatGPT invented the concept, and Daniel Tait helped refine and publish it.
6. Are there mobile apps for Sumplete?
Currently, the game is browser-based, but third-party adaptations may exist.
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