The purpose of the game is to fill in all the empty squares in the game with the correct number. There are three very simple things that you must do. In a 9 by 9 square Sudoku game:
- very row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 to 9 in any order
- Every column of 9 number must include all digits 1 to 9 in any order
- Every 3 x 3 subsection of the 9 x 9 square must include all digits 1 to 9
Any numbers that already appear cannot be used to fill the blank. When you determine which numbers cannot be used you can see which numbers can be used.
Smaller puzzles of Sudoku such as the 4x4 puzzle must have the numerals 1-4 in reach row, column and subsection. When you play the larger games of 16x16 then the numbers from 1 16 will go in each row, column and subsection. The rules are always the same regardless of the size of the game. Every Sudoku game begins with a number of squares which will have some numbers already in them. The more squares that are completed the easier the game will be. As you fill in the squares the easier it will be to figure out which numbers go in the remaining squares.
Sudoku Solution Techniques
Some techniques you can apply in tackling the puzzle would be to:
- Scan the columns and rows to see where a certain number might go, given the 3 constraints listed above.
- Another technique is to "pencil in" potential numbers and then follow the possible solutions that emerge until a difference is found. Often these differences appear after 2 or 3 numbers are penciled in, and one can return to the beginning and try the next option until something clicks.
- Focusing on one particular blank square at a time, scan its row, column & block.
The great thing about Sudoku is that every action makes the next step easier by narrowing possibilities. Every solved box makes filling the next box a little bit easier.
The many combinations in Sudoku can provide you with endless hours of fun and entertainment. Increase and broaden your knowledge in Sudoku, with the many variations of Sudoku available.
