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.

How to Play and Solve Sudoku

When you hear the word puzzle, what is the first thing that comes into your mind?

There are so many words that could jumble in your mind; it could be a problem, a riddle, a question a mystery and a lot more. However, can you not realize it that the bottom line for every puzzle is to find a solution?

This is the same thing with Sudoku puzzle. First, it is important that you need to get yourself acquainted about the basic rules and instructions about playing it. Second, you should learn to establish your own strategy for winning it and lastly is to arrive at a certain goal.

After being able to know the history and the factors included in the game, you will now arrive at a very essential aspect, which is the solution method. In Sudoku, there are actually three processes that are combined together in solving the problem given to you.

• Scanning

This is carried out at the beginning and throughout the performance of the solution. This can be done only in between the analysis period. It has two techniques namely the Cross-hatching that involves the process of eliminating numbers from the rows or columns. Second is the Counting method. This is utilized in identifying the missing numerals that will help in speeding up your search. A player usually explores all the possible contingencies during the process of scanning.

• Marking up

This follows when scanning ends. This is the time when the player couldn’t find any further numeral that can be discovered. It is the turning point for your logical analysis. It is helpful if you can make use of some notations that will be placed on the blank cell for your guidance. Your notation can be represented by either a subscript or a dot. It will depend on your preference.

• Analysis

This is now the final process that you will have to do. It involves two main approaches, the so-called “candidate elimination and the what-if”. On the first approach, progress is done by sequentially removing the candidate numerals to the point that there will only be a single choice that will be left. For every solution achieved, another scanning can be done. Several methods of candidate elimination can also be applicable; it can be through matching of the cells or matching of the numerals.

The “what if” approach will somehow include guessing, although you will still need to follow your logical choice of number. A cell that has only two candidate numerals is chosen and then you can make your own guess.

In Computer solution, it also uses a distinct approach whereas algorithm is commonly used. However, other more effective general approaches have been found. It constitutes Sudoku solving programs such as the following:

• The emulation of the solving methodology of man as closely as possible. This will allow the determination of the level of difficulty of any inputted puzzle.

• One should have the capability of solving the problem given on a puzzle as efficient as possible. Through this, man can create a faster resort for computation.

It is a fact that it is possible for computers to find a solution for the puzzle problem as quick as you want it. However, you should also be able to determine if the method used by the computer is valid or not. In other words, it should only have one exact solution for every problem. Some of the computer analysis could even imitate a human solver, such as the marking up approach. Rapid solvers can as well use the trial and method process so that they can create the best possible solution for the problem.

In Sudoku puzzle, it is also quite ironic unlike other types of puzzle games. The lesser the numerical figures that are given is easier to solve while the more average numbers given are more difficult. Thus, the level of difficulty is not being gauged on the quantity of the given number but with the positioning of the digit.

No matter what approach you seize in playing Sudoku puzzle, as long as you know its proper rules and strategy in every move that you make, you can surely win the game.