Monday, December 27, 2010

Rules in Playing Sudoku




If you’re fond of playing puzzles, solving math problems, and think logic reasoning you can actually combine them all in playing the Sudoku puzzle.





For you to know, sudoku was first seen in a magazine published in New York in the late 70’s by specialist puzzle publisher Dell Magazines under the name of Number Place. “Su” means number in Japanese, and “doku” means the single place on the puzzle board so that each numeral can be fitted into. Although its name sounds like Japanese, its origins came from Europe and America in which the game shows the very best in thinking and reasoning. Sudoku initially caught Japan in 1986 and gained international prominence in 2005. Unlike many other games that were known within the span of time, nothing can beat Sudoku’s challenge.





Sudoku, commonly known as the Number Place, is a logic type placement puzzle. The aim of the puzzle is to place numerical digits from 1 to 9 in each cell of a 9x9 grids that is made up of 3x3 subgrids or regions. To start playing the game, you are given in some empty cells numerals which are called “givens”. The goal of the puzzle is to put the numbers 1-9 to which it must contain only once in each subgrids, rows, and columns.





Basic rules





Rules in playing the game are very simple:





• Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid, divided in 3x3 subgrid.



• Begins the play with some given numerals from 1-9 that are placed in grid cells.



• A number can only appear once on each row.



• A numeral can only appear once on each column.



• Digit can only appear once on each region.





Now you finally know the basic rules in playing the game, but you’re really just starting the process of making solutions to how finish the game. There are some solutions methods that can help you and these are:





• Scanning- it can be performed from the very beginning and throughout the solution process. Scanning basically has two techniques, first the cross-hatching. Cross-hatching technique can identify which line in a particular region may contain a digit that can be eliminated. The second is counting the region, columns and rows in identifying missing numbers. Counting based upon the last digit discovered may actually speed up the corresponding search.





• Marking Up- the candidate numbers are simply written in subscript in the cell. The disadvantage of this is that some first puzzles are printed in magazines and newspapers which are usually small to accommodate many preferred numbers. Unlike to some newly designed Sudoku game board, all inputs are done electronically. You can also use a pattern of dots within the cell, wherein the position of the dot corresponds a number from 1-9. Dot notation can be an advantage to a sudoku that is printed in paper. In playing sudoku in print, using a sharp pencil with an eraser is highly recommended.





• By Analysis- you can approach the game by either “candidate elimination or “what if”. In candidate elimination, numerals from one or more cells are eliminated and leaving just one choice. After each answer is placed, another scan can be done. You can check to see the effect of the contingencies. In “what if” approach, a cell can be placed with two candidate numbers then a guess should be made.





Difficulty ratings





Published Sudoku puzzles are ranked depending of rate of difficulty. For you to understand, the numbers that are given has nothing to do on a puzzle’s difficulty. A sudoku puzzle with less number of givens may be very easy for you to solve. A sudoku puzzle with more number of givens can still be very difficult for you to solve as the difficulty rate of the puzzle depends on the relevance and positioning of the given numerals rather than the number of given placed in the grids.





Computer solvers find the range of difficulties for a human to find a certain solution, based on the complexity of the techniques needed. For in this kind of estimation allows publishers to take Sudoku puzzles to be very demanding. Some sort of publications rate their Sudoku puzzles into four levels are “easy”, “intermediate”, “hard”, and “challenging” are set.





So, by playing the “fastest growing puzzle in the world”, you can be sure to challenge your way of thinking and have fun in the process.


Sunday, December 26, 2010

7 Careful Steps on How to Solve Sudoku




It is expected that many are familiar with the puzzle game Sudoku. It may seem to be very hard in the first try, but many gamers that it is not as difficult as it looks.





The objective of this game is to complete the whole grid with the numbers 1 to 9. Depending on the level of the puzzle, it can be very simple and yet be very difficult. In order to solve the puzzle, the game requires the player to use a little logic and intense analysis.





You must also remember the rule in solving the Sudoku: you must fill in each cell of the 9 x 9 grid with the numbers from 1 to 9. However, each of the numbers must only appear once in every row, every column and in every cell of the 3 x 3 boxes.





The fastest way to solve it is to look for the possible numbers that can go in each row, column or cell. You can simply ask yourself what numbers could possibly take in each location. Once you place a number in a box, no other box in that row, column or block can take that number. In this way, it lessens the possible numbers in a box. Always keep a record that could go in every box and eventually have a little or no choice in the end.





The following are steps used on how to solve Sudoku. Follow these steps to easily complete the puzzle.





1. Write all the possible numbers that can be in each row, column or block in a large piece of paper. Make a grid consisting of a 9 x 9 boxes, which has numbers from 1 to 9.





2. One by one, add all the recognized numbers to the grid.





3. Remove all the numbers that cannot go to the cell because a recognized number of the same value should be in the same row, column or 9 x 9 blocks. Perhaps, there is recognized possible numbers that can go in the cell.





4. Once you already know which of the nine numbers should not be in the cell, you can now decide what the possible numbers are. In some instances, there is only one choice left for the player. Do the steps 2 and 4 again using that number. While in other instances, you will need to search for possible numbers that should appear once in each row, each column and each block.





5. There are chances that you might wind up with circumstances (such as you have already tried everything) there is more than a single choice. If this happens, this may become a bit difficult.





If you are fortunate enough then, you can select any of the numbers and go on with steps 2 and 4 again. This is usually a characteristic of an easy Sudoku, not the hard Sudoku, so be wary and alert. The best way to do is to begin by using a soft pencil and eraser.





6. In the same style with step 3, remove all the numbers that cannot possibly go in the cell. This is because a recognized number of similar values should be the same row or column since it should not be placed anywhere else in the 9 x 9 grid. This may be a bit confusing so please be careful. For example, if two cells already have 2 or 6 and both should be in the cell, other empty cells in the row or column should not contain either of these two numbers.





If there will be an opportunity for any success, you can always return and do step 3 again. Or else, it would be great if you again use your pencil to solve the problem.





7. Lastly, always check for the result. When you add all the numbers of each row, column or block the total must be 45. Add them all up and find out why you had to use a piece of paper.





All the seven steps may seem to be very difficult to follow. However, read each step and try to analyze what it is trying to imply and you will realize that it is not as difficult as you may think it is.





When solving Sudoku, it requires patience and careful thinking. Remember it is a number puzzle game, not a crossword. So, it can really be difficult… sometimes.


Free Printable Sudoku: The Best Choice for Beginners




You have been hearing from other people about the new puzzle game Sudoku. Your husband is also wildly passionate about it. He even would spend a day and sometimes a whole night solving it. Even your children are also avid players of the puzzle.





What would you do if you experience all these things? What if your parents, whom you do not expect to be playing it, are also obsessed with the Sudoku. What would you feel? Would you scream? Would you cry because you think you are the only person left who does not know anything about it?





Oh, come on! Do not fret too much! Sudoku is a famous game that is making every citizen of this country and every people of the world addicted with it. Even you too can play it.





How can you do it? It is so simple! Have your first tried looking for it on the internet? Many websites offer free play on their Sudoku. Otherwise, if you want you can just search for the free printable Sudoku. Since you are a beginner, it would be great to have the puzzle printed in order for you to study it well. Also, you will be able to carry it with you anywhere you go.





How can you download a free printable Sudoku?





To download a free printable Sudoku puzzle, you have to go to a search engine such as the “G” or the “Y” and key in your keywords “free printable Sudoku”. You just have to wait for a second or two then, you will have thousands of results to search through. After searching, choose a puzzle. Once you have found out which of the printable Sudoku is suitable for you, download it to your computer.





After downloading, print the puzzle. It is assured that it will give you hours of leisure, excitement and fun.





Your free printable Sudoku puzzle is just like an ordinary puzzle found in the newspaper or magazine. It also consists of a 9 x 9 grid (81 boxes/cells). It has 9 cells per row and column. The 9 x 9 grid is divided into 3 x 3 blocks with empty cells and cells that are already filled with numbers.





The cells, which already have numbers, cannot be moved or replaced with other numbers. Therefore, a player should only fill in the empty cells with the numbers from 1 to 9. However, the player must know that there is limitation in placing each numbers. Two same numbers should not appear on each row, column or block.





This may sound so simple! However, that is not impossible, only and if only you have chosen a printable Sudoku that makes it easy to solve. This is because there are also printable Sudoku which are very difficult to analyze and very hard to solve.





Most beginners assume that Sudoku puzzle are very difficult because of how it looks like. But this is not true! Once you started to play it, you will realize that it is just as easy as the crossword puzzle. You do not even need to be an expert in math for you to complete the printable Sudoku puzzle. Every puzzle will only require you to be very patient. It also needs more time to finish it and you have to have concentration while doing the puzzle.





To most people, Sudoku is a nice way to awaken the mind every morning or during coffee break. Since it is the printable Sudoku, you can bring it with you on a weekend vacation with your family. For sure, your family will be engrossed in trying to complete the puzzle that perhaps you will not hear them asking “will the journey take long” for a hundred times.





Download your printable Sudoku from any results of a search engine, print it out and let your husband and children realize that you too are engrossed in such puzzle. For that matter, print the puzzle out and give them a copy of it. In this way, you will see the many different ways it can be completed.





Remember, each of the location has over a million of combinations that can surely work on the puzzle. Find out how many combinations you and your family can make.





Enjoy the puzzle while at the same time learning how well you can practice your patience and concentration.


Online Sudoku: Get Into the Game




Online sudoku is the newest craze in online gaming. People are so crazy about this game that a great number of providers have already shut down due to excess activity. Isn’t that amazing? I know some of you must be asking just what sudoku game is.





Sudoku is a game that is created and popularized in Japan. It is a puzzle game which is very similar to crossword puzzle. However it doesn’t use words but numbers. I know numbers…and probably some of you are shrugging by now and wondering how on earth can a number puzzle game create such racket in the online gaming world? Well believe it or not it is creating noise alright and sudoku fans are increasing in numbers.





You must be thinking…okay there must be a great number of nerds around the globe who would find number puzzles fun. Guess again….most of the people that plays this game are not your typical nerds, mind you, but regular people just like you and me. So what is in sudoku that people just can’t seem to get enough of?





First, sudoku game puzzle does not involved math. I am not saying this just to get you hook on the game but its true…sudoko is not even close to being a math game. To play this game all you have to do is place the numbers 1 to 9 in correct placement and you have to this in rows, in columns and in the 3x3 square. Isn’t that simple or what?





I guess what draws players into this game is that fact that it is very simple to play. Online players compete with each other in terms of time—meaning whoever solves the sudoku puzzle in the shortest time is the winner. The sudoku number puzzle game is a very addictive game that it’s just hard to resist once you start playing it you will surely get hook to it.





Sudoku puzzles are excellent brain teasers and are referred to by many as wordless crossword puzzles. But unlike crosswords, sudoku game puzzle can be solved using lateral thinking alone and this is why it is making quite an impact around the world.





Online sudoku puzzles have unique solutions and does not require for the use of trial and error or simply putting it guessing. This of course makes the game more interesting and challenging. The time element also adds up to the charm of the game.





To join the number of sudoku fans on the internet you will have to register but don’t worry the registration is entirely for free. Once you are registered that’s the time that you can compete with the rest of the sudoku fans around the globe. And if ever it happens that you prove that you are the best when it comes to sudoku your name will be placed on a leader board for the entire world to see.





And of course you know what that means…popularity but you have to defend your title since other sudoku fans will surely take the position away from you. Remember that you are competing with the entire world.





Another good thing about sudoku game puzzles is the fact that they are not only fun but also very educational. And people who just hate numbers will surely come to appreciate them if they started playing sudoku. Sudoku puzzle games are great if you want to exercise your brain but not to the point of contracting a headache. It is a great game to kill time and to learn. I mean how many games have you found online that can give you the same satisfaction that you get out from playing sudoku? Not many. Although there is few that you may consider educational and fun but often very complicated so you give up playing them. But with sudoku you will never get tired playing. In fact you may not want to stop playing this game once you get started.





If you can get enough of sudoku online you may also download it on your mobile phone or on your personal computer. This will provide you with a great amount of time to practice your speed in solving sudoku puzzles. If you don’t have a mobile phone you may also get a load of sudoku by ordering newspapers that features this type of game. If you are more of a magazine types of person don’t worry because there are also magazines that feature sudoku puzzle games. You may order them online or purchase them from game stores or even bookstores simply ask if they have publications that feature sudoku game puzzles.


Challenge Yourself with Sudoku Games




Japan is a country well known for its advance and high technology in fact it has been able to surpass most of its neighboring countries. This is not surprising since Japan at present is one of the world’s best producers of high-tech equipment and machines. In addition Japan is also well known for creating some of the best pc games and online games. And once again they have proven their ability to create games that will transcend all other games available when they have introduced sudoku to the world.





Sudoku is a number placing game invented and popularized in Japan. It was later launched in the internet and became one of the most popular games in the world today. The concept behind sudoku was taken from another puzzle game which is the crossword puzzle.





The only difference between these two puzzle games is the fact that sudoku makes use of numbers instead of letters. The numbers used ranges from 1 to 9. These numbers are to be placed correctly on the rows and columns that are located on a 3x3 square. The numbers should appear on their correct orders and that is where the challenge sets in. If you are one of those people that love brain teasers then sudoku is the game for you.





I just want to point out that sudoku games although deals with number puzzles but is not considered a math game. For the very simple reason that it does not involved the use of any mathematical formulas or concept, sudoku games calls for lateral thinking and this is also one of the reasons why it has created such a big impact around the globe.





Sudoku games are very simple to play. There are no complicated instructions involved and the best thing about this game is that you can compete with other sudoku players around the world. How? Well all you need is to have a computer, an internet connection and don’t forget to register to a sudoku game provider online.





The registration is entirely for free so it’s all fun and games for you. You will be able to compete with other registered players from every part of the globe. Isn’t that cool or what? Aside from that all the winners on the competition are going to be posted on the leader board of the web site. And before I forget the winner of the sudoku game is chosen based on the speed of solving the puzzle.





There is no age limit in playing sudoku games everybody is welcome to join and enjoy the game. This makes sudoku games ideal for families that want to spend quality time together. Sudoku number placing games are also ideal in exercising the brain. Imagine a game that lets you enjoy and learn at the same time. Although there are also games that can provide you the same benefit but the overall effect on you is different.





Aside from that, most educational games online would usually interest a player for a short period of time but sudoku number puzzles are very different from them since the more a player plays it the more he or she becomes addicted to the game. And unlike any other games that has a certain maximum level to reach (and after reaching it the game is complete or finish) sudoku games are not restricted by levels. This is also the reason why people continuously play this game.





Sudoku games can give you a degree of confidence as well as sense of achievement especially after solving a very hard puzzle. Another important thing to remember about sudoku games is that each number puzzle has a unique solution that can be obtained using logic and without resorting to guessing. Plus you can never cheat on a sudoku puzzle which makes sudoku even more challenging and worthwhile.





Aside from the internet you may also find sudoku games on newspapers, magazines and the likes. You may also download a sudoku game on your mobile phone and on your personal computer. Simply choose the downloader that is suitable for your computer. There are also printable e-books available that you can purchase online.


Come and Get the Best Free Sudoku Download Online




People decades ago would be content in spending their time reading, playing games and not rely on new-fangled past times just to pass and while the time away. They were contented in simple things that keep their minds active. Not like now, where people are so reliant to the things that the new technologies could offer such as television, washing machines, radios, refrigerator and a lot more.





Modern technology has allowed people to slack off. We are now very reliant to modern technology with every aspect of our lives. Many people have fallen deep into this trap and have neglected to spend worthwhile idle time to expand their mental horizons. But there is still hope yet, technology and mind exercises can be combined to keep ourselves sharp all the time.





Well maybe this is your first time to encounter the word sudoku. This is a Japanese word that means “the digits must remain single”. Digits or numbers are fun to play with that is why sudoku became an enjoyable game.





Sudoku is a puzzle game that can makes your mind spin like crazy if you are not good in thinking logically. This will make your minds twist until you reach the final answer that you need to be looking for.





This game is already known to the whole world. There are already different countries that play sudoku. Even though they have different pronunciation to the name of the game, the standard rules still remains the same. The quality of the game never changed and is always preserved.





Learning this kind of game is not that easy as what you may think. You need lots of patience and better understanding while playing this game. And for more enhanced understanding of the game, why don’t you download the sudoku game to find out more and at least check it out for yourself.





There now lots of different free sudoku download in the internet. Downloading those will be a big help for you as a player of sudoku. If you play sudoku everyday you will be enhanced a lot of lwhile earning the new strategies for the game.





There are lots of sudoku downloads that is available in the internet and some of those are:





1. Digit hunt soduku – the row and the columns of the square have a number from one to nine. Some of the squares don’t have a number so it is up to you where you want to place them. This is a fun game that makes you twist your brain. Make sure that you place the digit on the right box in order for you to win.





2. Sudoku Quest – there are four levels in here and there are hints that is given to the players in solving the puzzle. This kind of sudoku is very addictive that makes brains bend.





3. Elite Sudoku – this is one of the most popular puzzle games in Japan. This does not need calculations and the rules are very simple however, this provides very good logic problems and situations.





4. Ace Sudoku – this is a bit harder form of the puzzle. It will take you a lot of time to solve it. This also provides hints to the problem and the solution to every problem.





5. Cross sums number crosswords – this is just an easy puzzle game for those people who can add two numbers. This is based from the crossword puzzle game. Instead of using words, they made use of the numbers and the sum of digits of the numbers will be their clues.





These games that have been mentioned above are just some of the tempting forms of the sudoku game. Despite from the fact that they are very enjoyable to play because you cannot win by cheating, this is also one of the best games where you can release your tension quietly and by your self.





In view of this, the great thing about downloading the sudoku is its free. Therefore you can download as many sudoku games that you wanted to play. Each puzzle game has a different problem that you need to solve. You may never know that one day you will become the number the one player of the sudoku game.


A Number Game Guide! Sudoku Answers




Are you bored?





Do you wish to be entertained?





One way to divert you from boredom is to take up a hobby. A good suggestion is to try answering puzzles. It does not just keep you from word-weariness; it also sharpens your mind.





A puzzle is a problem-solving game to challenge the different mind strategies that you know of. There are different kinds of puzzle – some are easy to deal with, however others are highly crucial as if you are solving Math or Logic problems.





An example of a puzzle that is more likely related to logic is Number Place or sometimes referred to as Sudoku.





Sudoku has the aim to complete a nine by nine (9 x 9) grid from three by three (3 x 3) regions by entering the numbers 1 to 9 in each cell of the grid. The tricky part is that no single number should be repeated in the 9 x 9 grid.





At first glance, the Number Place seems to be a fun and easy game. However in the long run it requires the player to be in deep thought of what strategies to formulate to solve the puzzle.





There are three suggested ways to answer Sudoku. One can choose to use scanning as his method of solving the puzzle. Others can prefer marking up to come up with a solved puzzle. For some they can be comfortable with the analysis method of puzzle solving.





Scanning is a method wherein the process of elimination reigns. Under the scanning method, one can either choose cross-hatching or counting. Cross-hatching requires a systematic course of action wherein to scan rows or columns in a particular region can give you hints of the possibility where numbers can or cannot be repeated. On the other hand, counting requires the basic counting where the player would count numerals 1 to 9 in rows, columns, and regions to find the missing numeral.





To answer your next Sudoku game, try the marking up method. This method is normally used when you exhaust all the possibilities of solving the puzzle from scanning. To mark, you should be able to use notations. Commonly, what is being used as notation to mark-up are dots and subscript. However, it is best to use notation wherein you will be comfortable using such as lines, shapes or other codes. It is also good to assign which notation would be used for candidate numerals that are most likely to repeat and notation that is likely to be in the said grid. One drawback of using notations is when Sudoku is being played from newspaper or magazine pages where grids are usually small to note into.





Third suggested way to solve Sudoku puzzles is through analysis. There are two main tactics to use the analysis method – the candidate elimination and what-if method. Through the word itself, candidate elimination method does away with candidate numerals from the grids to set aside just one option. Scanning can also be utilized together with the candidate elimination. Another way to answer Number Place with the analysis method is the what-if technique. With the use of this approach the player will guess which is which from the two remaining numbers.





If for instance, you will be seeking answers of Sudoku via a computer program there are also recommended ways to finish the puzzle.





First, try to act and be like a human when solving. You can still use the suggested solving procedures given above. Additionally, with the use of a computer program you will be able to devise the level of difficulty for each puzzle game.





Secondly, plan or search for a good computation that will help you solve the puzzle more rapidly.





You as the player can use a combination of the methods or can even formulate new solutions that will work best for you and other people. Take things one step at a time. Learn the basics of the game. Let go of line of attacks that are boggling your mind. Pick the pieces of information where you think you succeed, learn from where you fall apart. It is a game; you must learn to take risks.





Just thinking of how Sudoku will work, boredom just fades.