![]() ![]() By highlighting digits that are known and striking through digits that are blocked, all remaining possibilities are clearly shown. On the elimination grid, the normal square is replaced by an array containing the digits 1 to 9. The elimination grid is designed for really stubborn puzzles. The effective application of a triple is rare. If three squares within the one domain are recognised as taking only three digits (or if two of the squares will take the three digits and another square two of the digits) then the three digits can be discarded for all the other squares of the domain. Similarly, a triple (trio, threesome, triplets) may be found. An example is shown in step 15 of the worked example. Which digit goes where is not yet decided, but the knowledge that only those squares can take only those digits means that both of the digits can be eliminated from all other squares in the domain. Within the one domain, two squares may be blocked to all but the same two digits. Often useful to the sudoku solving process – indeed, a lifeline in some cases – is the occurrence of a double, also called a couple, or twins. Again, a filling grid offers the better prospect of a result. For the most part, there will be too many squares for too many digits, but the effort may well discover that only one digit will fit a certain square. More likely to work as the grid fills.Īn alternative to the individual square check is to ask of domains (cells, columns, rows) where could the 1 be placed, the 2, and so on. This more demanding square-to-square procedure is rewarded when eight digits are found to be blocking a particular empty square which can then be filled by the single unblocked digit. Occasionally, the column-and-row scan will stall (fail to find a vacancy), and an individual square check is the way forward. The method is demonstrated in the worked example that follows this section. For each digit, 1 to 9 in order, the grid is swept from top left to bottom right. No mathematical knowledge is required for sudoku.Ī column-and-row scan, sometimes called cross-hatching, looks for vacancies in cells by visually filling the lines (rows and columns) occupied by a particular digit. Although the puzzle uses digits, these are merely convenient symbols and they have no numerical value as such within the grid. Solving a sudoku puzzle is a process of logic, not guesswork (which usually leads to more guesswork, and on to failure). A typical ‘medium’ puzzle may have about thirty digits supplied by the setter, though the number of squares filled does not necessarily determine the level of difficulty. Sudoku’s challenge is to complete the puzzle grid so that every cell, column and row displays the digits 1 to 9, one appearance for each digit in whatever necessary order. In all, each digit will block 20 squares as well as filling its own square – potentially influencing about one quarter of the entire grid. This means the same digit cannot appear again in any of those domains. Any number, or digit, placed in a square is given the power to ‘block’ the cell and column and row that the digit inhabits. ![]()
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