Looking for something to do that challenges your mind? Play Sudoku! Sudoku is one of my all-time favorite puzzle games to solve–I play sudoku ALL DAY. Sudoku puzzles are very relaxing and give your brain a good challenge to solve. Starting out, it can be a bit tricky to understand the rules of Sudoku. Here are the basic rules of the puzzle, as well as tips for solving the puzzle:
Basic Overview and Rules:
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There are 9 rows, columns, and squares
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Each row, column, and square needs to include the numbers 1-9
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There can be no repeat in numbers per each column, row, and square!!!
How to Start Out:
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Look at the rows
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I recommend starting with the row that has the most numbers present
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Count to see what numbers are missing
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Determine if the missing number is in the square or column
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Repeat numbers 1-3 when looking at each row
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Repeat steps 1-3 when looking at each square
*Before filling in a number, make sure there are no other values that can possibly belong in that spot!!!
My Go-To Trick:
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Choose one number (I recommend starting with a number that you notice appears the most on the puzzle) and see which rows, columns, or squares it’s missing from
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Determine where that number can be filled in
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Move on to a different number, and continue going number by number
Other Recommendations:
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Use pencil
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Makes it easier to correct any errors
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Use a combination of ways to complete the puzzle
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If you’re stuck, look at the answer key and fill in one number
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Write in more than one number to help guide you until you find which one fits best
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Don’t guess!!!
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If the guess is wrong, it can ruin the whole puzzle
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I hope you find these tips and tricks to be helpful, and I encourage you to go out and get yourself a Sudoku puzzle book or download a Sudoku puzzle app and start playing!