Sudoku help

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Ok so you just want to know how to start playing Sudoku.

 This Sudoku help page is a simple explanation of how to do sudoku, for the beginner, the first things you must know are -

The rules (9x9)

  Each row, column & 3x3 sub grid must contain the numbers 1 to 9 only once, as shown in this completed puzzle.

There are 9 rows 9 columns & 9, 3x3 sub grids, 81 squares in total.

The Puzzle

This is the same puzzle unsolved. The start puzzle.

The numbers which are in the start puzzle are the clues, which will help you complete the puzzle.

The puzzle is completed by cross referencing rows & columns, to find the missing numbers.

Rows & columns

The column, outlined in blue, has two numbers missing from 1-9,  numbers 5 & 6 are missing.

Number 6 can't go in the square which is stuck through, as the struck through row, which crosses the column outlined in blue, already contains the number 6.

So number 6 has to go in the square marked with a green circle, as this is now the only remaining possible square.

 This leaves us with number 5, this has to go in the stuck through square, as it's the only remaining square.

The same process applies to rows. i.e. blue rectangle horizontal & red line veticle. 

3x3 Sub grids

The 3x3 sub grid outlined in blue now has 4 blank squares,

but the number 2 can only fit in one square.

 As each row must contain the number 1-9 once only, I have struck through the rows which contain number 2.

This only leaves one possible square for number 2, within this 3x3 sub grid. (green circle), as the other two sub grids already contain number 2.

Rows, columns & 3x3 sub grids

If we divide the puzzle in to 3x9 columns & 9x3 rows, then where these rows & columns cross there is a 3x3 sub grid. Below the number 8 appears twice in the 3x9 row & 9x3 column, (red lines), this leaves only one possible square in the 3x3 sub grid for number 8.

Go on have a go, there are no calculations involved, just develop your own skills, as you work out what can & can't go where. you will soon start to see the puzzle in rows, columns & sub grids. Don't get carried away, always double check before you enter a number, & don't ever guess.

Each puzzle should take between 10 & 30 minutes, depending on your skill.    Play this Sudoku puzzle Now !

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