Play Sudoku Online for Free - Challenge Your Brain with Logic Puzzles

How to Play Sudoku: A Guide for Beginners and Experts

Sudoku is a logic-based number puzzle game that has become one of the most popular and addictive pastimes in the world. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Sudoku can challenge your brain, improve your concentration, reduce your stress, and provide you with hours of fun and satisfaction.

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In this article, you will learn what Sudoku is and what are its benefits, how to play Sudoku and what are the rules, how to solve Sudoku and what are the tips and techniques, and some examples of Sudoku puzzles with solutions and explanations. You will also discover the history of Sudoku and where to find more Sudoku puzzles online and offline.

Sudoku history

The history of Sudoku can be traced back to the 18th century Switzerland, where a mathematician named Leonhard Euler invented a game called Latin Squares. Latin Squares consisted of a grid of numbers or symbols arranged so that each row and column had only one occurrence of each element. Euler used Latin Squares for statistical analysis and combinatorial problems.

In the 19th century France, some puzzle setters experimented with removing some numbers from Latin Squares and creating partially filled grids that had to be completed by the solver. These puzzles were published in newspapers and magazines under various names such as carré magique diabolique (diabolical magic square) or carré latin amélioré (improved Latin square). However, these puzzles did not have the same structure as modern Sudoku, as they did not have the 3x3 subgrids or regions.

The modern Sudoku was invented by Howard Garns, an American puzzle constructor, in 1979. He published his puzzle in Dell Magazines under the name Number Place. The puzzle had a 9x9 grid with some numbers given and the rest blank. The solver had to fill in the grid with numbers from 1 to 9 so that each row, column, and region had only one occurrence of each number. Garns's puzzle was simple but elegant, requiring logic and reasoning rather than arithmetic or guessing.

The puzzle became popular in Japan in 1984, when it was introduced by a Japanese publisher named Nikoli under the name Sudoku, which means single number. The Japanese people loved Sudoku for its simplicity, clarity, and challenge. They also developed many variations of Sudoku, such as Samurai Sudoku, Killer Sudoku, or Kakuro.

The puzzle spread to the rest of the world in the early 21st century, thanks to Wayne Gould, a New Zealand judge who discovered Sudoku in Tokyo in 1997. He developed a computer program that could generate millions of unique Sudoku puzzles. He persuaded The Times of London to publish his puzzles in 2004. Since then, Sudoku has become a global phenomenon, appearing in newspapers, magazines, books, websites, apps, TV shows, competitions, and even art exhibitions.

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Sudoku examples

There are many types and levels of Sudoku puzzles available for different tastes and skills. Here are some examples of Sudoku puzzles with different difficulties: easy, medium, hard, and not fun. You can try to solve them yourself or check the solutions and explanations below.

Easy

An easy Sudoku puzzle is one that can be solved by using only basic techniques such as scanning rows, columns, and regions for missing numbers or single candidates. You don't need to guess or use advanced strategies such as subsets or chains.

5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ 7 _ _ 9 _ _ _ _ _ _ 6 7 8 _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 9 5 _ _ _ _ _ 8 5 _ 3 9 _ _ _ _ _ _ 8 _ _ _ _ _ _ 9 2 _ 4 8 _ _ _ _ _ 4 1 9 _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 6 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 5

The solution for this puzzle is:

5 1 4 7 2 6 3 9 8 8 6 7 4 3 9 5 2 1 9 3 2 6 7 8 4 1 6 4 2 8 5 6 3 9 7 2 7 5 6 9 8 1 2 3 1. Use the active voice, not the passive voice. For example, instead of writing "Sudoku puzzles are solved by using logic and reasoning", write "You can solve Sudoku puzzles by using logic and reasoning". 2. Keep it brief, not verbose. For example, instead of writing "In order to solve a Sudoku puzzle, you need to fill in the empty cells with numbers from one to nine so that each row, column, and region has only one occurrence of each number", write "To solve a Sudoku puzzle, fill in the blanks with numbers from one to nine so that each row, column, and region has only one of each number". 3. Use rhetorical questions, not statements. For example, instead of writing "Sudoku is a great way to exercise your brain and have fun at the same time", write "Who doesn't love a good brain workout and some fun along the way? That's what Sudoku offers you". 4. Incorporate analogies and metaphors, not literal descriptions. For example, instead of writing "Sudoku is a logic-based number puzzle game that has a grid of cells with some numbers given and the rest blank", write "Sudoku is like a crossword puzzle with numbers instead of words. You have a grid of squares with some clues and the rest empty".

Conclusion

Sudoku is more than just a game. It's a mental challenge that can improve your cognitive skills, boost your mood, and entertain you for hours. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a Sudoku puzzle that suits your level and preference.

Now that you know what Sudoku is, how to play it, how to solve it, and some examples of it, you are ready to join the millions of Sudoku fans around the world. You can find Sudoku puzzles in newspapers, magazines, books, websites, apps, or even create your own. The possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a pencil and paper or your device and start playing Sudoku today. You won't regret it!

FAQs

• What is the difference between Sudoku and Kakuro?

Sudoku and Kakuro are both number puzzle games that use logic and reasoning. However, they have different rules and goals. Sudoku requires you to fill in a grid with numbers from one to nine so that each row, column, and region has only one of each number. Kakuro requires you to fill in a grid with numbers from one to nine so that each row and column adds up to the given sum.

• How can I get better at Sudoku?

The best way to get better at Sudoku is to practice regularly and learn from your mistakes. You can also use online tools or apps that can help you check your answers, give you hints, or teach you new techniques. You can also challenge yourself by trying different levels or variations of Sudoku.

• Is Sudoku good for your brain?

Yes, Sudoku is good for your brain. It can help you improve your memory, concentration, logic, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. It can also reduce your stress, enhance your mood, and prevent cognitive decline.

• How many Sudoku puzzles are there?

There are billions of possible Sudoku puzzles that can be generated by computer programs or human constructors. However, not all of them are unique or valid. According to some estimates, there are about 6.67 x (10^21) valid Sudoku puzzles that have only one solution.

• Who invented Sudoku?

The modern Sudoku was invented by Howard Garns, an American puzzle constructor, in 1979. He published his puzzle in Dell Magazines under the name Number Place. The puzzle had a 9x9 grid with some numbers given and the rest blank. The solver had to fill in the grid with numbers from 1 to 9 so that each row, column, and region had only one occurrence of each number.