How To Play Sudoku
So, we have seen a history of sudoku and what the puzzle is. But how to play it?
Well, a standard sudoku grid has 9 rows and 9 columns, meaning a total of 81 cells to be filled. Let's take a look at the grid now:
The puzzle will start with a situation like above - with a certain number of cells already having the answer written in , but with a healthy number still requiring the solution to be written in - and worked out.
The rule is simple - each number from 1 through to 9 must appear once and only once in each row, in each column, and in each 3 x 3 mini square, of which there are 9 in total that make up the total puzzle.
The idea is that from the starting position given using logic alone you will be able to come up with the one unique solution to the puzzle. From then on in, it is down to you and your brain to deduce what the solution to the puzzle must be!
And that's all there is to it - that's how to play sudoku. The simplicity of the rules is a large part of what has made it so attractive to play. For strategy tips, view our next article!