Sudoku is a numeric puzzle with a logic-based approach. The goal is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and each of the grid nine 3 by 3 subgrids (also known as blocks or regions) contains all of the digits from 1 to 9. There is only one solution to each sudoku puzzle. We’ll demonstrate and explain various sudoku strategies in this article.
The puzzles come in three levels of difficulty: easy, medium, and hard. Most newspapers print the easy and medium puzzles, while the hard puzzles are mostly found online.
Sudoku Strategies
There are a few simple sudoku strategies that can be used to solve most Sudoku puzzles, regardless of their level of difficulty:
- Crosshatching: This technique involves looking for numbers that can only go in one row or column in a particular block. For example, if you see a 3 in one block and there is only one empty cell in its row and column in that block, then you know the 3 goes in that cell.
- Naked Pairs:This technique looks for two cells in the same row, column, or block that contain the same two possible digits. If those are the only two possible digits for those cells, then no other cells in that row, column, or block can contain those digits.
- Hidden Pairs: This technique is the opposite of naked pairs; it looks for two cells in the same row, column, or block that contain the same two possible digits, but those digits are not possible in any other cell in that row, column, or block.
With a little practice, sudoku can be a fun and rewarding way to exercise your brain!
Which Sudoku Strategy Is The Best?
There’s no one “best” sudoku strategy – the key is to find the method that works best for you. Some people prefer to start with the numbers that are easiest to place, while others like to work from the outside in. Several specialized sudoku strategies can be used to solve particularly tricky puzzles.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular sudoku strategies:
Single-Digit Placement
This strategy involves placing each number into the grid one at a time, starting with the easiest number to place. Once all the numbers have been placed, you can move on to more complex strategies.
Outside In
With this strategy, you start by solving the sudoku puzzle from the outside edges inward. This can be helpful because it can give you a better overview of the entire puzzle and help you spot patterns more easily.
Cross-Hatching
This sudoku strategy involves scanning the rows and columns of the grid for numbers that can only go in one specific place. Once you’ve found a number that can only go in one place, you can eliminate that number as an option for all other cells in that row or column.
X-Wing
The X-Wing strategy is a bit more complex but can be very useful for solving sudoku puzzles. To use this strategy, you need to find two rows or columns where a certain number can only go in two specific places. Then, you can cross out that number as an option for all other cells in those rows or columns.
Grid Analysis
This sudoku strategy involves looking at the entire grid to see if any patterns can be exploited. For example, you might look for rows or columns where a certain number is missing and use that information to eliminate possible choices for other cells in the grid.
No matter which sudoku strategy you use, the key is to take your time and think through each move carefully. Sudoku is a challenging puzzle, but it can be extremely satisfying to solve. With a bit of practice, you’ll be solving sudoku puzzles like a pro in no time!
Benefits Of Using Sudoku Strategies
Sudoku is a great game for people of all ages. It’s a challenging, yet rewarding, way to spend some free time. And, best of all, it’s free!
There are many different ways to play sudoku. You can find Sudoku puzzles in newspapers and magazines, or you can play online. There are even sudoku apps for your smartphone or tablet. No matter how you choose to play sudoku, there is one important thing to remember: sudoku strategies can help you solve the puzzle more quickly and easily.
Here are three sudoku strategies that will help you solve any sudoku puzzle:
- Find the easiest number to place first.
- Eliminate numbers that can’t go in a certain cell.
- Use sudoku tips and tricks.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these sudoku strategies:
Find The Easiest Number To Place First
When you start solving a sudoku puzzle, it can be helpful to look for the easiest number to place first. This will help you get started and give you a good foundation to work from.
- To find the easiest number to place, look for cells that only have one possible number that could go in them. These are called “single candidate cells.” For example, if a cell can only fit the number 1, then it’s a single candidate cell for the number 1.
- Once you’ve found a single candidate cell, place the number in that cell and cross it off your list of possible numbers for other cells. This will help you narrow down the possibilities for other cells and make solving the puzzle easier.
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Eliminate Numbers That Can’t Go In A Certain Cell
Another sudoku strategy is to eliminate numbers that can’t go in a certain cell.
- To do this, look at all the numbers that have already been placed in the row, column, and 3×3 box that contains the cell you’re working on.
- If there is a number that has already been used in that row, column, or 3×3 box, then you can eliminate that number as a possibility for the cell you’re working on.
This will help you narrow down the possibilities for that cell and make solving the puzzle easier.
Use Sudoku Tips And Tricks
There are many sudoku tips and tricks that can help you solve a sudoku puzzle more quickly and easily. Some of these tips and tricks include:
Looking For Naked Pairs
Two cells in the same row, column, or 3×3 box that each has only two possible numbers that could go in them. If two cells in the same row can only fit the numbers 1 and 2, then those are naked pairs. You can eliminate those numbers as possibilities for other cells in the same row, column, or 3×3 box.
Looking For Hidden Pairs
Two numbers that can only go in two specific cells in the same row, column, or 3×3 box. For example, if the numbers 1 and 2 can only go in two specific cells in the same row, then those are hidden pairs. You can eliminate those numbers as possibilities for other cells in the same row, column, or 3×3 box.
Using Sudoku Solvers
Sudoku solvers are computer programs that can solve sudoku puzzles for you. They can be very helpful if you get stuck on a puzzle.
Asking For Help
If you’re stuck on a puzzle, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend or family member. Sometimes it can be helpful to have someone else take a look at the puzzle with fresh eyes.
Sudoku strategies can help you solve any sudoku puzzle more quickly and easily. Next time you’re stuck on a sudoku puzzle, remember to use some of these sudoku strategies to help you out.
Bottom Line
You now know some sudoku strategies that can help you solve sudoku puzzles more quickly and efficiently. Practice using these techniques on different Sudoku puzzles to see how they can help you. With enough practice, you’ll be sudoku solving expert in no time!