Variable question

[Salvi627]

I think I have noticed that it is relatively uncommon for an unknown variable ( meaning one not mentioned in the rules) to by the answer to one of the questions that ask "which of the variables would lead the whole game to be completely determined" ... is that just a coincidence that I have noticed that rarely is that variable a variable that, if its location is noted, would predict the rest of the game?

That was a bit confusing- hope it made sense!

Thanks,
Sophie Alvi

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Sophie,

There is something to it, of course: if the variable is completely "random," i.e. not burdened by any restrictions, it is quite unlikely that such a variable would be capable of fully determining the solution to the game. However, I'd be wary of using such shortcuts, as they aren't 100% reliable. You are better off recognizing the points of restriction in the game early on, and exploiting them to your advantage when solving Justify questions.

Hope this helps!