LEARN Step By Step TO SolvE a Puzzle (PART 2)

Here is a 9 x 9 puzzle. Now each column, row and mini-grid must contain the numbers 1 through 9 (each number only once).

Begin with simple techniques.
When you are doing the large Sudoku puzzles, it is helpful to start in the same way - by searching for “triplets” or sets of three. Look at the yellow 5s. The bottom left mini-grid only has one safe square for a 5.

Now look at the orange 6s. In the bottom right mini-grid, the 6 must go in the middle row, in one of two positions. But if you look up you can see a 6 in the left square (highlighted blue), so you must put the 6 in the square on the right.

Sometimes you don't know.
Sometimes you don’t know for certain which square to put a number in, and must look for more clues. Don’t guess! You can find yourself in a horrible mess if you do!

If you are not absolutely sure of a number, keep looking for more clues.

You might find it helpful to make notes by using a pencil to write small numbers which can be rubbed out (erased) later. In this case, you know by looking at the triplet of 7s that one of these two highlighted boxes in the lower mini-grid must have a 7. You will do this more as the puzzles get harder!

Another technique.
Another technique you can use is to look at a square and try to decide what numbers can go into it by eliminating the possibilities.

Remember that all Sudoku puzzles are different and don’t be too frustrated if you get stuck on one. If you leave it for a while and come back to it later, you will probably see a clue that you missed earlier! Try another puzzle in the meantime, if you want.

Above all, have fun and get your friends and family to try Sudoku puzzles too.