On Wed, 15 Feb 2006 08:36:00 -0000, you wrote: >The way I go about slving a puzzle is: > >1. Starting with the number 1, look at the rows of boxes and columns of >boxes to see if I there's only one place the missing number one can go - >easy if two vertical boxes have a 1 in and the third has only one place it >can go. I repeat that for all the other numbers and then start with one >again, because having filled in other numbers, there's then often only one >place for it to now go. Repeat horizontally. >2. Look at each vertical row of numbers in turn and try to see if there's >only one place that 1 will go, then at the horizontal rows with the same >purpose. >3. Look at each box of 9 to see if I can fit numbers in for sure - if there >are two possible places, I lightly pencil in the number at the top of the >square. >4. Repeat 1 to 3, which often means I can complete the puzzle - but not >always.
This is called 'slice and dice' or 'slice and slot' , but with the more difficult puzzles you can get to a point where this won't take you any further. Then you need to fill the empty boxes with all the options that will go there, starting with 1 and working down row by row, then carry on through to 9. After that there may be some boxes with just one number in and you can enter it and eliminate it from other boxes in it's square, then it's column and row. That may give you more possibilities which you can enter in the same way. If that dries up you can look for odd numbers ( I don't mean odd as in even and odd) amongst the options left in each square, row or column, and that will eliminate more. I got a book from my DH at Christmas called 'Killer Sudoku' by Carole Vorderman, and she explains how to do the most difficult puzzles, using the above, and more complex methods of elimination. I'm working my way through it, slowly! ttfn Jacqui Jacqui Southworth, Fleetwood, Lancs, England [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Larkholme Lace - Bobbin Lace Supplies, painted bobbins and tools,books www.larkholmelace.co.uk To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
