How to Play Sudoku
If you're interested in learning how to play Sudoku, you're not alone. Many people are turning to this fun and challenging game as a way to pass the time and as a way to stimulate their brains.
Unlike video games and other such contests, you need to be an active part of the Sudoku process if you are to complete the puzzle. And the best news is that this is a game that can be played by anyone, at nearly any age, so long as they have a pencil and a good sense of logic.
What are the Rules of the Game?
When you look at a Sudoku chart, you will notice that it contains nine rows and nine columns. Within each of these rows may be some numbers already in place. These numbers need to stay there as you will be playing the game around these numbers. You will note that the numbers are between 1 and 9, which is what you will be working with. The goal of the game is to use the numbers 1 through 9 and fill in the rows, boxes, and the columns with these numbers, but you can not have two of the same number in any row, box, or column. There are different levels that will challenge you, though it will be less frustrating to start off with the simplest level possible.
Playing by the Rows and Columns
Many people start off playing Sudoku by looking to the lines as the way to fill in the puzzle chart. By looking at the lines, you can easily count from 1 to 9 to see what is there and what may be missing. In fact, many advanced players will use this strategy first in order to just get that part of the puzzle done before moving onto the next phase – making sure the boxes are also suitable.
The Box Dilemma
This is the part of how to play Sudoku that really makes people frustrated at first. After all, the lines and the columns can be challenging enough without having to add anotherlayer of complexity. But once you have the lines and the columns complete, all you need to do is to move from box to box to check to see how you did. Moving numbers around boxes can be tricky, yet at the same time, some players find this part more manageable.
Video on how to play sudoku for beginners
How to Get Good at Sudoku
While most new players don’t want to hear this, getting good at Sudoku is simply a matter of practice. As you continue to try to fill in grids, you will begin to notice patterns which emerge when certain numbers start in certain positions. This will help you to begin to see where you need to put each of the missing numbers. With each new game, you will become faster and more efficient at placing numbers, while also beginning to be able to remember what numbers are where on the board.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to Sudoku. So, if you're a beginner, it's time to start playing – and if you're not a beginner, maybe it's time to challenge yourself to harder boards to see what strategies you may be able to devise for yourself.
Printable sudoku puzzles
- Ultra-Easy sudoku puzzles
- Easy sudoku puzzles
- Medium sudoku puzzles
- Hard sudoku puzzles
- Evil sudoku puzzles
Sudoku Videos and Articles
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Time to download a few sudoku puzzles now!