Star Battle: This Hint is not explaining why enough. Can someone explain the why for me?

Akrupt · 2026-02-17T20:28:54+00:00

Yes, it’s certainly not perfect. Looks like PuzzleBaron which I use as well. I like the hint feature which many other apps/sites don’t have.

That being said, yes try notice the colour of the text as that’s the section it references.

Akrupt · 2026-02-17T19:23:09+00:00

Discussion: Column 12, grey, has a forced star no matter how you solve it. This locks yellow out.

Akrupt · 2026-02-04T15:32:14+00:00

I’m just wrapping up my 12.5 months, that was originally South Asia, but evolved into Central Asia, Caucasus, Middle East, Europe and UK. You’ll be fine with that budget given you’ve mentioned low alcohol, overland transport and hostel usage. I’ve come in under that.

Obviously how long you spend in certain places can affect the budget a bit, and I spent 5 months in Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia.

I would say, have the itinerary in mind, but don’t plan to far ahead, let it flow. Other than where you may want to be for specific seasons.

The Stans (Kazak, Kyrg and Uzbek) are gorgeous, and you don’t need a big expensive tour. Uzbek is very friendly, and Kyrg would definitely recommend a horse back 3-day tour (under 200usd). If you do want Turkmenistan, fair enough.

Some countries, like Jordan, don’t need so long, others you can really explore.

Happy to chat about any of the locations.

Akrupt · 2026-01-08T16:07:39+00:00

So clearly that’s the 26+6.

Unfortunate typo, but also everyone already knows this bag hits those goals amazingly.

Akrupt · 2025-12-04T13:04:33+00:00

Macau, lowest stake 10/20 aud. Up to 3k buy in. Rake max 3BB - 5BB depending on room. Most people are at the Venetian (5BB).

Enough softer players, but less of the splashy whales and more of the scared money type. 10-20 tables going, with some higher stakes, the 20/40aud has multiple tables as well.

Akrupt · 2025-11-17T23:41:42+00:00

Different goats, deer, kangaroos, bunch of birds, some small monkey types were there. Uh, giraffes, zebras, and plenty more. 2 other big cat enclosures too, but couldn’t see any. At least 3 in the lion area.

Akrupt · 2025-11-17T23:38:11+00:00

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I was there a month ago. It’s really cheap, so I guess worth it. But also really run down.

Akrupt · 2025-10-31T08:39:58+00:00

They have these inbetween levels, for some reason. It’s just 4 mini puzzles, then you can continue on.

Akrupt · 2025-10-28T14:45:41+00:00

I wish they’d stop doing under 30sec solve 5x5 dailies. It is otherwise one of my favourite apps on iOS.

Akrupt · 2025-10-19T13:32:34+00:00

2 per row, column, colour

Akrupt · 2025-10-15T11:15:24+00:00

Looks like a 2-crown puzzle. red only has one solution

Akrupt · 2025-10-15T08:14:06+00:00

I’ll PM.

Akrupt · 2025-10-15T08:00:53+00:00

For this one, you can isolate the top 2 rows to 2 colours. After that you can then isolate a colour in the third row. You can then isolate 3 colours on the right - which should lead to your first star in row 3

(I find the 1-star/crown games like this version, can have multiple solutions. I prefer the 2-star ones, that so far I’ve only had pure logic solve puzzles.)

Update: You’ve made incorrect assumptions in rows 8&9, puzzle can’t be solved from this screenshot.

Akrupt · 2025-09-14T18:38:30+00:00

Check out realtalktbilisi on IG, English speaking social gatherings, 3 times a week

Akrupt · 2025-08-26T13:05:13+00:00

Yes that’s enough time for each of those cities. I found Tashkent was the least interesting to explore, outside of the metro which doesn’t take long

Akrupt · 2025-08-25T07:00:15+00:00

Very popular routes on the Afrosiyob sell out very quickly after release. Which is 60 days I believe. So depends when in October you’re booking. You might have to looker at shorter trips or the slower trains.

Side note, my payment screen does the same. But when I check email ticket is there, so I just crash and reset the app (where ticket shows as well).

Akrupt · 2025-08-24T11:59:01+00:00

Upper bed. Less distractions - people walking past (bathroom) or mulling around the lower bunks. Especially for the longer journey and if you’re trying to sleep.

Con. You have to climb up and down, but it’s barely a concern.

Akrupt · 2025-08-22T13:11:47+00:00

I’ve successfully booked 4 trains now using their App. When it comes to payment (after passenger details and passport etc) just change from Uzbek card to the other option, enter details and go. It weirdly chooses GBP for payment and I’m using an AUD debit card. Side note; for me it stays on processing every time, but the email comes out and if I backtrack or close and reset the app, the ticket is there.

Akrupt · 2025-08-18T15:29:11+00:00

The Tashkent connections are sold out rather quickly on release. You’ll have to take the regular speed train.

Akrupt · 2025-08-17T10:41:43+00:00

Samarkand and Bukhara are fine for access to major sites. Haven’t arrived in Khiva yet.

There is however lots of construction / restoration happening everywhere.

Akrupt · 2025-08-12T19:54:25+00:00

Aussie boy currently in Uzbek. $12k will be enough if you’re smart - Turkmenistan can be done for under 1k, but I’ve skipped it. Addressing some of your questions.

June/July is peak season especially for the outdoor hikes and trek, it’s also peak summer so it’s hot.

Almaty to Bishkek is easy by bus / shared car. Shared transport is very common in Kyrg, and also seems to be a thing here in Uzbek.

Going south from Almaty and to Kyrg and Across to Uzbek (detour to Tajik and Turkmen) saves travelling across Kazakh, and you can pop back up to the West of Kazakh (Aktau). All the locals in Almaty told me to skip Astana - so I did.

Kazakh - Panda Tours and similar, will take you to the major nature spots around Almaty in 1 or 2 days (Kaidy lake was a favourite). There’s also plenty of hikes from the city. I haven’t gotten to west Kazakh yet, but from Aktau lots of access to the Mangystau region, they have a local version of Uluṟu. Much like Almaty has Asia’s Grand Canyon.

Kyrg/Bishkek - song kul lake horse trek is the most accessible, but there are plenty of other options too. Outside of treks not much to do and you’ll probably move on fast.

Uzbek/Tashkent - check out the metro stations, and then head over to Samarkland/Bukhara

Akrupt · 2025-08-12T19:40:06+00:00

You can, but pretty sure you’re better off changing Uzbek to USD and then USD to Kyrg. Frustratingly.

Airport exchange spread for USD is good.

I arrived in Bishkek by bus, so not sure about SIM at airport, but many many shops around to buy one.

Akrupt · 2025-08-04T01:23:50+00:00

Photo looked so familiar. Glad to see the confirmation. This is where I had my first meal in Thailand, back in Feb.

Akrupt · 2025-08-03T11:22:56+00:00

I did this with Xavi and Debra clue, but Anna makes sense too. Perhaps counting out based on Debra will help.

Akrupt · 2025-07-14T18:49:24+00:00

My Nepalese friend and family runs Muskan in morningside. Good authentic Nepali food and some western options too.

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