Suduko

[Connemmara]

That is probably not the correct name - how do you go about it - what numbers do you put in etc. haven't a baldy.

[jno]

Sudoku. Put in any numbers you like as long as they fit the rules: 1 to 9 in each row, column and box. You should never have to guess; unless they're badly produced, every number should be logical.

[Connemmara]

Errrr? - think will leave that alone. thanks jno

[seadogg]

The idea is the complete each box so that it contains the figures 1-9. So start with an easy Sudoko and look for the boxes which have the most numbers in.

If you google Sudoko you will find all the information you will need.

[Connemmara]

thanks doggy

[jno]

it's pretty straightforward and I enjoy them.

If you have a line with all the numbers except 1 and 8 in it, for instance - but if one of those gaps is in a box or a column that already has an 8 - then you know it must be a 1. And that means the other one is the 8. Etc.

As seadogg says, try a few easy ones in which there are a lot of numbers already filled in.

[Sycamore3House]

When completing a puzzle you have to put the numbers in as people have said above but when you look at 3 blocks across or 3 blocks down each number has to be in the top line in one box the middle line in another box and the bottom line the the other box or left hand column middle column or right column. I may not have explained that very well but I know I could show you easily.

[TheWinner]

I am rubbish at Sudoku, and use a solver.

[Old_Geezer]

They're not so difficult and a pleasant pastime.

Start by looking at a row of 3 boxes of nine, say at the top. See if the numbers already filled in allow you to spot where some others go. Then do the same with the row of middle boxes, and finally the bottom row.

Then do much the same sort of thing with the columns of boxes, left, then central, then right.

Repeat the rows then the comuns again in case some of the cells you filled in now allow you to spot more than can be filled in.

After that look for columns and rows of nine which have a fair few filled in. The cell where they cross may prove easy to deduce.

Use the knowledge that a box of nine has the numbers 1 to 9 as does the rows and columns to see if any cell in the box you are checking can be filled in.

Worst comes to worse, check individual cells to see if they can be only one number. You pick these tactics up as you go along, easier to do than recall and write rules about.

And be aware you can stare at something obvious and miss it. Put the puzzle down and come back later and you may be amazed why you thought you were stuck.

[LoftyLottie]

They keep me sane in times of stress and make me relax. Mind you the really hard ones sometimes add to the stress and I end up scribbling in anger all over them.

I wouldn't be without Sudoku (I can never spell it!!)

They have nothing to do with mathematics whatsoever. It's all about logic. The numbers could be replaced with pictures and the principles remain the same.

As others have said, start with the easy ones.

[mibn2cweus]

Each number 1-9 must appear once and only once in each row, column and box.

Complete the grid by finding and filling in cells where one (and only one) of the numbers (1-9) hasn't already been used in that corresponding row, column and box.

In the process of eliminating available slots as you place more of the (one and only) correct numbers to the cell in which they belong, you are providing more clues for the remaining cells.

Start with puzzles that are indicated as EASY, where there is only one possible and obvious choice. Once you grasp the concept you will be ready to employ more complex strategies in locating and determining the only possible correct number to place in a particular cell.

Here are some easy 4x4 grids that might help you to grasp the concept.

http://1sudoku.com/play/sudoku-kids-free/sudoku-4x4/

[Grimaldi]

This might help you get started
http://www.quizrevolution.com/act66142/mini/go/beginner_sudoku_tutorial