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Here is an unsolved sudoku puzzle. It consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into 9 smaller grids of 3x3 squares. Each puzzle has a logical and unique solution. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Throughout this document I refer to the whole puzzle as the grid, a
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GETTING STARTED. To solve a regular Sudoku puzzle, place a number into each cell of the diagram so that each row across, each col-umn down, and each block within the larger diagram (there are 9 of these) will contain every number from 1 through 9. In other words, no number may appear more than once in any row, column, or block.
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The Rule of 45. Forty-five is a special number in Sudoku as it’s the sum of the digits 1-9. Therefore, in a solved Sudoku puzzle, each row, column, and 3×3 block will sum to 45. Where knowing the Rule of 45 becomes helpful with solving puzzles is when you’re playing variants such as Killer Sudoku or Sandwich Sudoku.
2 Row, box and column. It is possible to zone-in on a single cell and, by taking account of the other numbers in the row, column and 3x3 block in which it appears, identify the digit that must appear in that cell. Look at the tinted cell in the picture here. If you consider the numbers that are already in the row, the column and the 3x3 block ...
- Overview
- Figuring Out the Basics
- Starting with Easy Hints
- Using More Difficult Techniques
- Blank Sudoku Template
You want to try sudoku, but you don't know where to begin. Sudoku looks hard because it involves numbers, but in reality, it's not math-based. Even if you think you're
In fact, the numbers could be replaced with letters or symbols and the results would be the same; it's all about recognizing the pattern. Start by learning the basics of sudoku, then move on to learning the beginning and advanced techniques.
In a typical sudoku, you'll have a square grid of 9 large squares. Inside each of those larger squares will be 9 smaller squares. When faced with a puzzle, some of those smaller squares will be filled in with numbers from 1 to 9. More
will have fewer squares filled in.
The larger squares are often outlined with a darker line, while the smaller squares have a thinner line. Also, sometimes the larger squares will be colored in a checkerboard pattern.
Line up the rows and columns.
One basic rule of the game is every column and row must have all of the numbers from 1 to 9. That means that within a row or column, a number cannot repeat.
Pay attention to the numbers in the large squares.
Look for a single empty in a larger square.
Check each square to see if it has a single square open. If it does, it's easy to fill in. Just figure out what number is missing from 1 to 9.
For example, if a larger square has numbers 1-3 and 5-9, you know it's missing the number "4," which you can fill in.
Check for singular empty squares in the rows and columns.
Run your finger down each row and column to see if any of them only have 1 square open. If a row does, figure out which number from 1 to 9 is missing in that row or column and fill it in.
If a column has numbers 1-7 and 9, you know it's missing the number "8," which you can fill in.
Look at a set of
Another option is to include 3 of the large squares in a row or column in your analysis. Pick 1 number, and see if you can place it across all 3 squares.
For instance, take the number "6." See which rows and columns already have 6s, and use that to scan across to the 3 large squares you're looking at. Based on that information and what you have in the squares, try to place as many of the 6s as you can.
As puzzles get more difficult, you'll find that just using the above techniques won't always solve the puzzle. In those cases, you need to start filling in what numbers could possibly go in each square. When you get a possibility, place it in the corner of a small square in pencil. You may have as many as 3 or 4 numbers penciled in as you try to solve the puzzle.
As you work, you may notice certain squares only have 1 number, and you may be able to fill in that number permanently.
As you fill in numbers, go back over the puzzle to figure out spaces you had to leave blank before. Once you've filled in new numbers, you may be able to figure out those spaces.
Are all sudoku puzzles solvable?
Yes, unless the puzzle was printed with an error, which is unlikely.
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When all of the squares are the correct numbers, can I assume the rows and columns are correct?
One of the best ways to get started with solving a Sudoku puzzle is to look for “low-hanging fruit” – the rows, columns or squares that already have the most numbers filled in. This will make it easier (most of the time) for you to figure out which numbers go in the remaining empty spaces.
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Apr 3, 2024 · Strategy 1: Single Possibility Technique. Look for squares with only one possible number based on the existing numbers in the grid. These squares act as clues and provide a starting point for your solving journey. Fill in the single possibility and watch as the puzzle unfolds.
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