5 Steps to Solve A Sudoku

The objective of this game is to complete the whole grid with the numbers 1 to 9. Depending on the level of the puzzle, it can be very simple and yet challenging. In order to solve the puzzle, the game requires the player to use a little logic and intense analysis. 

You must also remember the rule in solving the Sudoku: Fll in each cell of the 9 x 9 grid with the numbers from 1 to 9. However, each number must only appear once in every row, every column and in every cell of the 3 x 3 boxes.

The fastest way to solve it is to look for the possible numbers that can go in each row, column or cell. You can simply ask yourself what numbers could possibly take the place in each location. Once you place a number in a box, no other box in that row, column or block can take that number. In this way, it reduces the possible numbers in a box.

The following are steps used to solve Sudoku. Follow these steps to complete the puzzle easily.

1. For each blank cell on the grid, write all the possible values the cell can have. Do this by looking at the values that are already given in other cells of the associated groups that is on the respective row and column.
2. Once the value of a cell is confirmed, remove the value for all other cells of the associated group that cannot go to the cell.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 again.
4. There are cases where you might wind up with more than one choice of value. Complete using trial and error with whatever possible values that are left.
5. Lastly, always check the result. When you add all the numbers of each row, column or block the total must be 45.

All the 5 steps may seem difficult to follow. However, read each step and try to analyze what it is trying to imply and you will realize that it is not as difficult as you may think it is.

With a bit of practice, for most puzzles, you don't actually have to list out all possibilities for the unsolved cells. When starting to solve a puzzle, you can often easily spot several cells where the value is obvious. For some puzzles then, the challenge is to write down the solution in pen without jotting down any notes. But for many puzzles, at least some annotation is needed to keep track of possibilities.

When solving Sudoku, it requires patience and careful thinking. Remember it is a number puzzle game, not a crossword. So, it can really be difficult… sometimes.

PS: If you are new to and would like to know how to solve a Sudoku, go to this site and click under tips. It has a good introduction to solving Sudokus. The more you play Sudoku, the more Sudoku tips you will pick up. Enjoy.