How To Play And Solve Sudoku
When you hear the word ‘puzzle’, what is the first thing that comes into your mind? It could be a problem, a riddle, a question a mystery and a lot more. However, the bottom line for every puzzle is to find a solution.
Its the same with a Sudoku puzzle. First you need to get yourself acquainted with the basic rules. Then you should learn your strategies for solving it.
In Sudoku, there are actually three processes that are combined together in solving the puzzle:
- Scanning
This is carried out at the beginning and throughout the performance of the solution. This can be done only in between the analysis period. It has two techniques namely Cross-hatching that involves the process of eliminating numbers from the rows or columns., and Counting, which is utilized in identifying the missing numerals that will help in speeding up your search. A player usually explores all the possibilities during the process of scanning.
- Marking up
This follows when scanning ends. This is for when ou can’t find any more numbers just by scanning. It is the turning point for your logical analysis. It is helpful if you can mark up some the blank cell with some form of notation, such as subscripts or dots. Which you use will often depend on your preference, but dot notation is needed in Sudoku printed with cells that are too small to fit in subscript notation.
- Analysis
Analysis involves two main approaches: “candidate elimination and “what-if”. In candidate elimination, progress is done by sequentially using logic to disqualify the candidate numbers until there is only a single choice left. For each number placed in a cell, another scanning can be done.
The “what if” approach will somehow include guessing, although you will still need to follow your logical choice of number. A cell that has only two candidate numerals is chosen and then you can make your own guess. Follow that guess through to its logical conclusion, and if that leads to a dead end, go back and change to the other number!
It is possible for computers to find a solution for a Sudoku puzzle problem as fast as you want it. A Computer solution, also uses a distinct approach, where an algorithm is commonly used. However, other more effective general approaches have been found, such as:
- The emulation of human solving methodology as closely as possible. This will allow the determination of the level of difficulty of the puzzle.
- Solving the given on a puzzle through approaches that are as fast and efficient as possible.
In Sudoku puzzles the level of difficulty is not determined by the quantity of the given numbers but with their positioning in the grid.
No matter what approach you take in playing Sudoku, as long as you use the rules and strategy in every move that you make, you can surely solve the puzzle.