It is used throughout the whole course extensively. This is a fundamental technique and procedure of my course. That is you cannot have any number in a left, centre or right column twice within vertical set of 3 blocks. In a vertical set of blocks you should NEVER have a number repeated. This refers to vertical blocks (3 blocks) Each block has a left, centre and right column of numbers. That is, you cannot have any number in a top middle or bottom row twice within a horizontal set of 3 blocks. In a horizontal set of blocks you should NEVER have a number repeated. The three horizontal blocks have a top, middle and bottom row which correspond to each block as well. Each block has a top, middle and bottom row of numbers. Competitive players try for speed, which can be fun. Some online programs encourage you to time your performance and compare your time with others. It is amazing how often you come back to the puzzle later and suddenly see something you missed earlier.ġ0 Q Is the aim to complete the puzzle quickly?Ī Not necessarily.

If you don’t see any solution, take a break and come back later. The puzzles in the book are fiendish.Ī As you progress towards more difficult puzzles, an underlined pair reminds you that only those 2 numbers can go into that cell.Ī Go over the steps I cover in the course in order. One book I am familiar with has an average of 26 numbers per puzzle, which should be difficult but not overly so. It depends on the algorithm used to create the number configuration. Watch a future tutorial on this topic.ħ Q Is it true that a puzzle with more starting numbers is always easier than one with fewer numbers?Ī Generally, the more numbers, the easier the puzzle. That should NOT happen in a legitimate puzzle. Technically this type of puzzle is not a true puzzle. If you have 4 matching pairs, of the same numbers, which make up a rectangle, something is likely wrong. Purists claim only a mistake or a poor puzzle allows for that scenario. It is more likely you overlooked an earlier mistake. Is that possible?Ī You have a good question. It didn’t matter where I put the first 4, the others worked out perfectly. At the end, I had four matching 4/5 pairs, two in one column, two in another. I find these less messy.Ħ Q Today I solved a puzzle. Third, look for books with only one puzzle per page.

Second, as you solve numbers, erase the small numbers instead of just crossing them out. First, copy the puzzle onto a large grid that you make up your self. If you purchase a book, use its designations of difficulty with caution.ĥ Q I use the puzzles in the local newspaper and find the grids so small I end up with a mess.Ī Yes, you are right. One book may call certain puzzles easy that are actually medium or difficult according to another publisher’s standards. Sudoku is based on logic.Ī I don’t recommend any specific book because publishers use different guidelines for what they term easy or hard. You may be lucky however, usually it doesn’t work. Solving a puzzle correctly motivates you to try another and to move from easy to ever harder levels.Ī Not a good idea. The challenge is satisfying and a positive way to use spare time. With patience and a touch of humility, players can tackle increasingly difficult puzzles. It improves memory and encourages logical thinking. You cannot have a number repeated in a row, column or block.Ģ Q What are the values of solving Sudoku puzzles.Ī Sudoku offers relaxation and fun while enhancing brain fitness. A All rows, columns and blocks need to have the numbers 1 to 9.

Solving sudoku triplets