Tips For Solving Sudoku Puzzles

Starting your first Sudoku puzzle can be challenging if you are new to this.

Here are some tips for solving Sudoku puzzles
for beginner Sudoku-ers:

1) Use a pencil. This sounds so over simplified, but many times - even for us "experts" - this is a good rule to follow.

2) Start with the obvious.
Are there alot of 1's already in place? There's your starting point. If there's a 1 in the 1st grid also a 1 in the 2nd grid, then look over to the 3rd grid for an opening where the #1 can fit. (before the 2 and 5 in the above example)

Remember that you are looking for the places the #1 CANNOT be in order to place it where it should be. Sound confusing? It will become easier with practice.

3) I usually follow tip #2 and go thru all the numbers 1-9 to see how many squares I can fill using the "obvious".

From there, I look at each grid to see if for example, I have all #'s except a 9 in that grid - then it's certain that the 9 belongs in the only open space!

4) Next, I look at rows then columns - again searching for the obvious - the one or two missing numbers in that row/column.

Using the process of eliminating the number that "cannot go there", most will find Sudoku puzzles to be a great activity that's fun for all ages!

5) Practice. If you were learning any new skill you would practice.

Ready to master sudoku?

You can get some more great insider tips for solving Sudoku puzzles here.

And remember - this is not mindless entertainment (as non-Sudoku-ers may think), you are Building Brain Power!