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Sudoku The Easy Way
People
have always been fascinated with puzzles. Deciphering codes, solving clues and
finding answers are some of our favorite pastimes. If you enjoy crosswords,
jigsaws or tackling a Rubik's Cube, you should try Sudoku.
Sudoku is the puzzle that's taken the world by storm. It's a relatively simple
but extremely addictive mathematical puzzle that will test your patience and
bend your brain. These days, Sudoku can be played on the Internet, and puzzles
are easily found in magazines, newspapers and textbooks.
A Sudoku
puzzle is based on a series of grids. There is generally one large 9x9 grid
that holds nine smaller 3x3 grids. The main objective of Sudoku is to put the
numbers 1 to 9 into each of the grid units. While it is a numerical puzzle,
there are no equations involved. Nothing is added, subtracted, multiplied or
divided.
Sound simple? Here are the basic rules:
However, there are three rules that must be strictly followed. And they are:
1. Every number from 1 through 9 will appear only once in each row.
2. Each of the numbers from 1 to 9 will appear only once in each column.
3. Each number from 1 through 9 must appear once in each small 3 x 3 grid.
These rules need to be followed exactly to make sure that each 3 x 3 grid has
the numbers from 1 to 9 showing in the series only once. Being true to the
rules increases the difficulty in completing the puzzle, and the challenge in
solving it.
Sudoku game puzzles are available in different levels of complexity. The total
of the numbers provided in the first level of the 9 x 9 matrix can differ. You
might thing that the game would be easier to play if there were more numbers
given at the first level. This is not necessarily true as it is the assignment
of the numbers, rather than the quantity, that affects the level of difficulty.
If you'd like to play Sudoku, follow these steps to help you complete the
puzzle:
1. This is not necessarily a guessing game. A Sudoku puzzle can be solved quite
logically. Look carefully at the puzzle, think about it, and search for clues.
Most Sudoku players begin by looking for the numbers that often appear in the
first puzzle. For instance, you many you may have many 4s in the first puzzle.
Look in the 3 x 3 box to see if the number 4 is also there. Now, look for other
places where the number 4 can be found. Start looking up and down the rows and
columns for 4s, as these will help you locate other 4s. Remember, the number 4
must appear just once in each of the rows, columns and in the 3 x 3 box. For example,
if there is already a 4 in
columns 1 and 3, then a 4 may not be placed in either of those columns. Thus,
the missing 4 would logically be replaced in column 2. If you are able to
successfully remove all the potentials in the box, you will have a better
chance of solving the puzzle correctly.
2. When you have finished reviewing all of the 3 x 3 boxes, you need to fill in
the numbers 1 to 9 in
the rows and columns that hold most of the numbers. If only two numbers are
missing from a row or column, you can use the elimination method to determine
where to place the last two numbers. Check the rows and the columns to figure
out which numbers are missing. Once you have eliminated the possibilities in
each row or column, you will be able to fill the line you are playing.
3. Use Step 1 and Step 2 to help you play Sudoku in its simplest form. More
difficult puzzles require advanced players who know how to look for the
possibilities of the puzzle. Skilled players will solve and win the puzzle with
all the given different choices in every square. There may be times when there
is no way to remove a possibility. If this happens, the player will need to
guess, and will have to remember where the chosen number was played, in case it
was the wrong choice.
Sudoku is actually easier to play than the rules imply. Begin with a few simple
puzzles, and gradually work your way up to more challenging games. It is
definitely a game of wits, and may sometimes feel like it will never end. Be
patient, follow the rules, keep practicing and you'll learn the techniques to
help you play Sudoku successfully.
By: Donald
Taylor -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Donald
Taylor enjoys writing for several popular Internet magazines, on recreation and hobbies and recreation tips topics.
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