How Do You Play Sudoku

Writen by JB Anthony

Sudoku originated from Japan. It is basically a mind game, a number puzzle and its popularity in these modern times have been compared to that of the popularity of the Rubik's Cube in the 80s. Newspapers, magazines and even math textbooks and online sudoku games – only lately - have popularized the game, Sudoku. Because it is challenging and because it offers a different form of intellectual diversion from that of modern technology such as television (if you can call television and intellectual diversion at all), people and even kids have taken easily to Sudoku games.

But how is Sudoku played? Sudoku is a number game made up of a series of grids. The grids are usually within a big nine by nine grid with nine three by three smaller grids. The primary objective or aim of the game is to place the numbers 1-9 into each grid units. You may not add the numbers and look for the sum of the numbers in the rows and columns.

However, there are three mechanics or rules of the Sudoku game:

1. The numbers 1-9 must only appear once in each column;
2. The numbers 1-9 must only appear once in each row; and
3. The numbers 1-9 must only appear once in each 3x3 grid.

Once these three rules are kept in mind, the player can now proceed by searching the puzzle for clues. Most players start by looking for numbers that appear in the first puzzle. For example, if the number 5 appears in the first puzzle, check if the number 5 also appears in the three by three box. But remember, this number must only appear once in each column and in each row! Next, after looking at the three by three boxes for clues, you must make sure to fill in the numbers 1 to 9 in the columns and rows that hold most of the numbers. If there are only two numbers left that are not in the row or column, do the process of elimination method to find out where to place these last two remaining numbers left. Check the columns and rows to locate the two missing numbers and if you have eliminated one of the chances on each column or row, there is a possibility for you to fill the line that you are playing in.

Of course, difficult and more complex Sudokus will also require more analysis and technique from the player. However, this is what makes the game popular. As Sudoku players gain more mastery, they move on to more challenging Sudokus. Sudoku game definitely calls for and develops critical thinking in a person.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of http://www.sudoku.hottestniches.com For more information, articles on sudoku and playing sudoku, and links to online sudoku games, please visit http://www.sudoku.hottestniches.com