The Quiet Grid, Issue 2: The Answer

The center square in Issue 2’s grid is a 1, and a tip of the cap to the sharp eyes who said so.

Here is the reasoning. The center square’s row already holds 6, 3, 2, and 7. Its column holds 4, 5, 3, 9, and 8. Its box holds 3, 2, and 5. Put the three lists together and every digit from 2 through 9 is spoken for. Only 1 remains: the last possible digit, and no guessing required.

If you found it by scanning rather than by writing candidates, you have already put Issue 2’s first square to work.

Three-word verdicts

The first verdicts are in: [reader replies with first names and permission go here; placeholder until they exist]. Keep them coming, and keep them honest. Breezed, fair fight, or earned it.

Issue 3 arrives Monday, October 12, and it comes with pencil marks.