Back From the Klondike
Rules
The original description published by Sam Loyd in the New York Journal and Advertiser, 24 April, 1898 is as follows:
Start from the heart in the center. Go three steps in a straight line in any one of the eight directions, north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, or southwest. When you have gone three steps in a straight line you will reach a square with a number on it, which indicates the second day's journey, as many steps as it tells, in a straight line in any one of the eight directions. From this new point, march on again according to the number indicated, and continue on in this manner until you come upon a square with a number which will carry you just one step beyond the border, thus solving the puzzle.
Applet
Java Source Code
Classes
This applet was created using Eclipse.
History
The "Back From the Klondike" puzzle was designed by legendary puzzle author Sam Loyd. It is based on topological work by mathematician Leonhard Euler regarding solving a maze by working backwards. Loyd believed he had created a puzzle with only one solution. However, due to a printing error the puzzle actually has two possible solutions. This can be resolved by replacing one of the squares in the bottom-centre which contains a one with a square containing a two. For historical accuracy this applet contains the original pritning error, allowing the solver a choice of two routes out of the maze.
Planned Enhancements
- Generate random boards which defy Euler's rules for solving mazes and therefore have a single solution - see following link