Q&A for How to Solve a Sudoku

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Are all sudoku puzzles solvable?

Community Answer

Yes, unless the puzzle was printed with an error, which is unlikely.

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Question

When all of the squares are the correct numbers, can I assume the rows and columns are correct?

Community Answer

The numbers in the 9 squares cannot be "correct," as you say, unless the rows and columns are also correct. You can have all 9 squares with all 9 numbers, but that does not guarantee that the rows and columns will be correct.

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Question

Is there an easy way to play sudoku?

Ellie

Community Answer

Once you get the hang of it, it will become pretty easy and fun.

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Question

Can I solve a suduko puzzle from a blank template?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. There are no numbers in it, so there's nothing to solve. You can, however, enter a few numbers and create a puzzle for someone else to solve.

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Question

Where can I obtain a sudoku online?

Community Answer

You can search for sudoku using google, and you'll find some that you can download or play online.

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Question

Should all Sudoku games be solved with logic, or can I use the trial and error method?

C Grace

Community Answer

Sometimes the trial and error method is necessary. If you've gone through all the tricks in the article and you're left with unsolved spaces, all of which have two or more numbers penciled in, then you'll need to guess. Choose a space with two numbers penciled in, circle one of them, and use that guess as a basis to move the solution forward.

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Question

How do you use the penciling technique?

Community Answer

You could use the pencil technique by writing all the numbers from 1-9 on each square, then erase the numbers that are already there.

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Question

How many types of Sudoku puzzles are there?

Community Answer

There are a lot, which you could probably tell from above. Simpler ones include 9x9s, 6x6s, blackouts, and letter 7x7s.

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Question

How do I choose the correct number when 3 squares remain with 1,2 and 1,2,3 and 1,3?

Community Answer

You just have to keep going. There will be some small clue that you have either overlooked or that you haven't yet worked out.

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Question

Is there an easy way to solve a Sudoku?

Community Answer

It depends. Some people find tricks, while others do not.

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Question

Can I solve a sudoku with more than one solution?

Community Answer

No. Because sudoku is a math-based puzzle, there's a specific order and way that every number needs to be written in order to complete the puzzle. If that seems too hard, it's not! Start with easy sudoku puzzles to develop your familiarity with the puzzle, and work your way up from there!

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Question

How can I fill a cell in sudoku if I have no clue what to put there?

Ellie

Community Answer

Work on other cells first that have more numbers, then go back to that particular cell.

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Question

Should I fill it in line by line, or block by block?

Community Answer

Whichever seems easier for you. Since the line and column entries are also in the blocks, some blocks will become solvable before the lines or columns will be, while some lines or columns may be solvable before a block is. Each entry depends on the other entries in each line, column and block.

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Question

What is the best strategy for Sudoku?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

The best strategy for Sudoku is to start by solving the easy parts first. Look for a single empty square in a larger square, check for singular empty squares in the rows and columns, and scan the rows and columns to fill in larger squares.

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Question

Can all Sudoku puzzles be solved without guessing?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Yes, all proper and well-formed Sudoku puzzles can and should be solved without guessing!

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Question

Does Sudoku make you better at math?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Not necessarily. Sudoku does involve numbers, but it doesn't actually involve any math at all, so it may not improve your math skills.

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Question

How do I write numbers in sudoku without pairs?

Community Answer

You really shouldn't, pairs, trios, quins and quads are essential to solving a sudoku, in fact many "hard" sudokus can be solved with these alone! Make sure not to mix up your buried and broken sets.

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Question

Are there many possible solutions to a puzzle?

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Community Answer

In some cases, a sudoku puzzle can have two solutions, so it is definitely possible. It's just more common for them to have one answer.

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