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.
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