Sudoku Rules.
The enormous popularity of sudoku across the world is due to a couple of simple facts: Sudoku rules are easy to learn; Sudoku is not a math game, but is rather about identifying logical patterns…
While Sudoku is based on a concept invented by a Swiss mathematician, it requires no arithmetic knowledge and is purely a logic-based game. Anyone can play Sudoku, including you!
Below is Sudoku rules:
1. Only use the numbers 1 to 9
Sudoku is played in grids with 9 blocks x 9 blocks. The columns and rows make up 9 squares that feature spaces of 3 x 3. Every single row, square, and column must be filled in with the numbers 1 to 9. The catch is that you can only use each number once – no numbers can be repeated in a row, column, or square. And that is where things become complicated!
2. Avoid trying to guess the solution to the puzzle
It is tempting to try to guess the solution to a Sudoku puzzle when you are just starting out. For beginners, this is usually not a good idea. Guessing shouldn’t form part of your game strategy.
3. Only use each number once
You can only use each number once in each sub-grid row and column, as well as just once on the entire grid’s rows and columns.
To do this, you will need to note which numbers happen to be missing from each of the columns, rows, and blocks. Deductive reasoning and the process of elimination can be used to determine which missing numbers belong in which blocks on the grid.
4. Use the process of elimination as a tactic
The process of elimination is actually a great tactic as by knowing which numbers are already present, you can start to reason which numbers are missing and which best go into the open blocks. You could write the numbers 1-9 down and then cross off each one for each row until you know what is needed for each block. As you can only use each number once, it is not too hard to figure out which numbers are needed. After that, it is just a case of trying to figure out where each of the numbers belongs – they can’t just go anywhere.
5. Use cross-hatching and penciling in techniques
Cross-hatching is a technique whereby a player focuses on just one 3×3 grid/square at a time and tries to complete the open blocks using the rule that each number can only appear once. Then, each column and row is scanned while taking into account which numbers have been filled into the first 3×3 grid. If a misplaced number is spotted in the singular 3 x 3 grid, it is removed, and the process is started over.
