How to Play Sudoku Like a Pro: A Beginner’s Guide
Sudoku is one of the most popular pen-and-paper puzzles. It is a fun puzzle that helps both children and grown-ups strengthen their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Since Sudoku is a challenging puzzle, it also builds patience, perseverance, focus and concentration. That is why, today, we will cover how to play Sudoku.
Tips for children on how to play Sudoku
Sudoku puzzles can be quite overwhelming to beginners. That is why we have compiled a few tips and tricks for you.
Learn the rules
Before you get started, familiarise yourself with the rules. The basic rule of Sudoku is that each number or image appears exactly once across both column and row.
Use a pencil and eraser in your work
As the complexity increases, you will find it a little harder to solve the Sudoku puzzle. The chances of errors or mistakes will also increase. So, using a pencil and an eraser will allow you to change answers as you come close to the right answer.
Start with a mini Sudoku grid
To build confidence and familiarity with the puzzle, you can start solving a mini 4 X 4 Sudoku grid that has pictures. You can gradually increase the difficulty level to 5 X 5, 6 X 6 and so on.
Start with what you already know
Solve the easiest row or column first. It is likely the one with only a couple of blanks. Try to focus on the blank and scan the rows and columns associated with it to understand which number or image could fit there. The process of elimination, that is, removing numbers from consideration, can help you greatly during this process.
Focus on the bigger picture
While trying to fill in the blanks in the Sudoku, keep an eye on the bigger puzzle. It will help you see if you are going in the right direction. Check if what you have filled in the blank fits in the bigger picture.
Practice makes perfect
Sudoku puzzles can be quite challenging. It is okay to not get it right the first few times. Keep practising, and soon you will be able to do complex Sudoku puzzles with ease. Soon, you will be able to play Sudoku like a pro.
These are some of the tips that will help you solve a beginner-level Sudoku puzzle. As you level up, you will need to use more advanced strategies. So, happy puzzling! Keep strengthening your thinking skills!
Do you play Sudoku? Did you find these tips helpful? Do you have any other tips that you would like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
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