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Practical ways to solve SUDOKU

Solving Sudoku consists in entering the missing numbers into the diagram in such a way that in each horizontal row and in each vertical column and in each small 3 x 3 square (with bold sides) there are all the numbers from 1 to 9. Each number in the row, can be entered only once in a column or small square. Nothing fancy, but this puzzle is really exciting. Anyone who has tried to complete the magic Sudoku diagram at least once has found this out.

Here are some practical tips on how to solve web Sudoku:

First, choose one of the numbers and try to find the correct places for it throughout the Sudoku diagram. Each digit appears exactly 9 times in the diagram. You can start by entering the numbers 1, then 2, then 3, up to 9. You can also start by filling in the numbers that were originally revealed the most, for example, if the number 2 appears six times in the Sudoku diagram, you only have to enter three twos.

Enter a number only when you are sure you have found the right place for it. If you are not sure, go to entering the next digit. You may be able to enter the previous digit later, when you complete a bit more boxes in the Sudoku diagram.

When you have entered all certain numbers, but you did not manage to fill the entire Sudoku diagram, try to complete the rows or columns, or small 3 x 3 squares with the least empty spaces left.

WAYS TO SOLVING SUDOKU

Solving Sudoku does not require any mathematical operations, but you need patience, perceptiveness and the ability to think logically.

There are many ways to solve Sudoku – each player can create their own puzzle solving scheme. Below we present 5 methods that we believe are the most effective.

We will discuss the first four methods we have chosen using the example of a rather difficult puzzle, so that you can use all of them when solving it. The last, fifth way, due to its advancement, will be presented on a hellishly difficult Sudoku diagram.

We will start solving with the simplest method, and then we will move on to more advanced Sudoku methods. In this order, we also advise you to use the Sudoku solving methods presented by us.

METHOD 1 – the method of eliminating digits

It consists in searching the entire free online Sudoku diagram for all the right places where you can enter one of the numbers, thus eliminating it from further play.

According to the rules of the game, each number from 1 to 9 can be found only once in a row, column or small square of 3 x 3 squares. In total, therefore, in the entire Sudoku diagram, each digit appears exactly 9 times. Try to find these 9 places for each of the numbers in turn. You can search for the right places first for 1, then 2, then 3, and so on. Or, which is more practical, you can start by typing the numbers that were originally revealed the most. For example, when the number 2 appears six times in a Sudoku diagram, you only have to enter three twos.

Enter a number only when you are sure you have found the right place for it. If you are not sure, go on to entering the next number, followed by the next one.

If you manage to eliminate a few numbers at the beginning of the game, it will greatly facilitate further solving. When you have entered all certain numbers, but you have not been able to complete the entire diagram – repeat the whole operation one more time. Of course, this time look for the right places for those numbers that you haven’t managed to eliminate from the game yet.

In our opinion, the discussed method is the most effective and, at the same time, the fastest method of solving easy Sudoku. Of course, it can also be used with slightly more difficult puzzles, but then you should also use other methods.

EXAMPLE

In the diagram below, the number of digits 1 and 2 was originally revealed. So let’s try to find the remaining correct places for these digits. To begin with, we will try to enter the missing 1 in the small squares marked in color. We’ll start with the top one. We crossed out the places where the number 1 cannot be found, because it already appears in the adjacent small squares, and we only have one, and thus a certain place, to enter it. Now let’s move on to the bottom square. In it also (after entering 1 in the upper square) there is only one possible field to enter 1. We still have to enter 1 in the middle small to complete all the numbers 1 in this Sudoku diagram, and thus eliminate this number from the rest of the game. Now try to eliminate the number 2 yourself.

METHOD 2 – completion

It consists in filling in those rows, columns or small squares in the Sudoku diagram with the fewest empty squares.

This method is best used when we have already completed the Sudoku diagram at least partially. When completing rows, columns or small squares, we first check what numbers are missing in them, and then we try to complete them.

EXAMPLE

Take a look at the online Sudoku diagram below. Using method 1 we entered all 1 and 2, now using method 2 we will try to complete the small square marked in color in this diagram. Only three digits are missing: 4, 7 and 9, which should be entered in fields A, B and C. We can enter digit 7 only in field A because in column B the digit 7 is already present (bottom square), while in field C we can’t type either, because 7 is already in this row (left square). The digit 4 can be entered only in the field C, because in the column belonging to the field B, the digit 4 already appears (middle square). We have already entered 7 and 4, it remains only to enter the number 9 in field B to complete the whole selected small square. In this way, you can complete other rows, columns or small squares in this and other Sudoku diagrams.

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