Sudoku Puzzles

Many people are put off by the numbers appearing on the sudoku grid, automatically assuming there is some kind of maths or calculation involved before getting to know the rules.

Rest assured, sudoku doesn't require you to be a mathematics genius to play and in fact, there are many sudoku variations out there which do not even use numbers at all.

Instead, sudoku requires a combination of logic and deduction and can be enjoyed by both children and adults as the rules are very simple to learn.

If you can place numbers in squares, you can play sudoku.

The Objective and Rules of Sudoku

The basic sudoku grid has 81 squares, consisting of 9 rows, 9 columns and 9 smaller 3x3 blocks.

Some of the numbers which will comprise the solution to your sudoku puzzle are given, the rest you will have to deduce by following a set of three rules.

1. Every row must consist of every number 1 through 9 with no duplication.

2. Every column must consist of every number 1 through 9 with no duplication.

3. Every 3 by 3 block must include every number 1 through 9 with no duplication.

There are larger and smaller sudoku puzzles but whatever the size, the rules remain the same. For example, in a 16x16 puzzle (256 squares), the numbers 1 through 16 are used instead, but the rules for filling in the squares remain the same.

Looking for something fun for the Sudoku player in your life? Trying to find a gift idea which isn't another off-the-shelf puzzle book? Then check out these hand-selected fun and funky sudoku gift ideas!

1. Sudokube

Combine the Rubik's Cube (over 3 billion sold worldwide) with the 21st century logic puzzle sensation Sudoku and you get the Sudokube! Suerly a must-have gift for any sudoku fan who remembers the 80's fondly.

2. Sudoku Loo Roll

Sudoku for the smallest room in the house. Utterly ridiculous and very fun, Sudoku toilet paper is a fully functional toilet roll with a new sudoku puzzle printed on every sheet. Make a mistake - flush it and no one will know. A great joke gift for a sudoku addict.

3. Rudoku

Devised by a team lead by Professor Hugh Janus at the University of Scunthorpe (or most probably not!) the book of Rudoku is quite literally "Rude Sudoku"! Replacing numbers with letters and featuring a hidden smutty phrase this filthy book of naughty sudoku puzzles is a unique sudoku gift for the pervert in everyone. Features a glossary of rude terms at the back so you can find out just what those obscure hidden words actually mean...