This is my first time trying to solve a sudoku puzzle. I can't figure it out. Everything is a mess. How can I figure this out or organize it. Tips would be great. Thanks!
2006-10-05 13:02:40 · 7 answers · asked by Emily P 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Oh yeah and are there any programs on the internet I can use. Like can I enter in the numbers that the puzzle gives me and then the program helps me fill in the rest?
2006-10-05 13:14:57 · update #1
urgh, sudoku just frustrates me. I give it a go every now and then, but i just cannot seem to find the motivation to finish a single puzzle. it's not even that it's too hard, it's just, i dunno, you know what it's going to be in the end...9 boxes, 9 rows, numbered 1-9... but anyway, this is about you, not me!
a tip i did get when starting was to use a pencil and lightly write the possible options in the corners of the boxes as you go. this way you can constantly cross-reference what possibilities you have on each row.
another helpful idea is to buy a pad of graph paper (with the grids...) and convert the puzzle to a larger grid (maybe, say, 4 squares per box) so you have a bit more space to write options in and such...
also, don't feel you have to finish each box or row as you go.i found i would have to do a good half the puzzle (sometimes) before i would even be able get a single number...
good luck!! happy playing!!
2006-10-05 13:16:14 · answer #1 · answered by Lucy Goosey 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Every row, column and 3x3 box must have the digits 1 thru 9. Some puzzles also include both diagonals as well, but I've seen ones that don't. No digit can be repeated twice.
Usually, to fill in the spaces you need to look in one or more of these places to rule out certain numbers that are in the row, column or box. As you get a little more adept at it, you will be able to think ahead to the "what if"s.
I start out numerically and go thru all nine numbers and fill in everything that is obvious. After that, I go back to one again and start over. There are probably other numbers that have become obvious as a result of the first time around.
Another thing I do is write the numbers that are missing in the row, column or box off to the side of the page and will cross them out one by one. It's easier to see what ones are common - as an example, if 1,3, 4, 6, and 7 are missing from one row and 2,4,7,8 and 9 are missing from a column, the intersecting space is either a 4 or a 7. If one of those numbers is already in the 3x3 box, you can fill in the space with the other one.
2006-10-05 20:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Go to life.com/sudoku. They have puzzles on their website with tools to help you keep organized. Their is even a mode you can do where it will show you your mistakes. Once you've practiced on these newspaper sudoko will be easier.
2006-10-05 20:11:37 · answer #3 · answered by seantherunner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pick a number, one that you see marked already the most, then
Go row by row or column by column and making sure each has that numbe rin it somewhere.
But usually, sudoku has one pattern for everybodys own mind that they use. Its a logic puzzle. Not everyhting will work for you.
2006-10-05 20:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by ~*Prodigious*~ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah they kinda get to be a mess. a good tip is to try to write all the possible numbers pretty small in the corners of each square. that helps you eliminate possibilities and narrow it down to the correct number.
good luck
2006-10-05 20:11:13 · answer #5 · answered by THEBurgerKing 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
keep trying i know you can do it i believe in you.
2006-10-08 03:10:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
keep at it, they get easier.
2006-10-05 20:10:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋