Share Your Sudoku Strategies

Sudoku strategies begin with knowing where to start, what to look for, and applying logic. Read about my strategies and then share yours.

Where To Start

Many beginners, when faced with a Sudoku puzzle, often wonder where do I start? I usually begin by methodically scanning the puzzle for each number, one through nine.

When I see multiple givens of the same number, I then slice and dice and see how many cells I can solve. This is a good way to find single possibilities for a given cell.

Sometimes I may not be able to solve a cell because there are two possible locations in a row or column. I can use these two cells to eliminate any candidates in the same row or column that have the same number.

Other times I use a pair of numbers in the same row or column in conjunction with givens in other rows, columns, or regions, to place candidates in another 3x3 region. This way I am effectively removing possible candidates without ever writing them in.

What To Look For

After penciling in candidates in a row, column, or region, I begin looking for patterns beginning with the easier ones and then progressing to the harder ones.

I first look for pairs or triples of candidates. Then I progress to harder patterns such as X-Wing, Swordfish, XY-Wing and so forth.

Applying Logic

After spotting a pattern, then I use a little logic to help me solve the Sudoku puzzle. This gets fun when you can use logic to break a chain or eliminate candidates from cells.

This is just a beginning of Sudoku strategies. Why not share your tactics to solving a Sudoku puzzle? Show off your skills and be recognized as a Sudoku Pro. Help and be helped.

What Is Your Favorite Sudoku Strategy?

Do you have a great Sudoku strategy? Share it! Write a 300 word article that explains your strategy. Use proper English and sentence structure.

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LABELING

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Share Your Sudoku Strategies!

Where To Start

What To Look For

Applying Logic

What Is Your Favorite Sudoku Strategy?

What Other Visitors Have Said