How to Find Sudoku Solutions
Sudoku is a problem-solving game that involves aligning numbers to form rows, columns and groups of 10. Compared to many other games, Sudoku has a small number of strategies. That said, knowing how to find solutions efficiently can greatly reduce the amount of time you spend on a puzzle. If you ever get stuck, there are a few tricks you can use to get yourself going again. By employing a methodical problem-solving style, you will be able to crack even the most difficult Sudoku puzzle.
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Instructions
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Squeeze for solutions. This involves using two solved numbers in connected blocks to find the same number in the last block. For example, if blocks A and B have a 2 in the first and third rows, block C must contain a 2 in its second row. This technique works well there if is only one missing number in the row you are solving for.
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Cross-hatch for a solution. Cross-hatching involves using two solved numbers from connected blocks and a third solved number from an unconnected block to find the same number in another block. For example, let's say that connected blocks A and B are the lower two blocks in the left column and that block C is the top block in the same column. Block D is located in the upper-right corner of the puzzle. Blocks A and B contain a 2 in their first and third columns. This means that block C must have a 2 in its second column. However, let's say there are two open squares in the second column, both of which could hold 2. You could use the 2 in block D to eliminate one of these squares, finding the correct answer.
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Reduce the three-or-less segments. If any segment has three or less missing numbers, lightly pencil every possible answer into each blank square. Then, use cross-hatching and squeezing to eliminate the possibilities until only one remains for each square.
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Spot the lone number. After reducing the segments, look for blanks that contain a lone number. For example, say that block A has three open squares and two of them could be 8 or 9 and the third could be 8, 9 or 10. Ten is a lone number and is therefore the solution for that square.
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References
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