Sudoku Cartoon - Sudoku Puzzle: Tips, Tricks and Strategies.

Tips for Solving Sudoku Puzzles:

• Scan the grid: Start by scanning the entire grid to identify any obvious numbers or patterns.
• Look for single candidates: Look for cells that only have one possible number based on the existing numbers in their row, column, and box.
• Use elimination: Eliminate possible numbers for each cell by considering the numbers already present in the same row, column, and box.
• Focus on a single number: Pick a number and scan the grid to find cells where that number can only go. Repeat this process for other numbers.
• Use cross-hatching: Cross-hatching involves scanning rows and columns to find missing numbers in each box.
• Apply the "naked pairs" strategy: Look for two cells in the same row, column, or box that have the same two possible numbers. You can eliminate those numbers from other cells in the same row, column, or box.
• Apply the "hidden pairs" strategy: Look for two numbers that only appear as possible candidates in two cells within the same row, column, or box. You can eliminate those numbers from other cells in the same row, column, or box.
• Guess and check: As a last resort, if you get stuck, make an educated guess on a cell and continue solving. If you reach a contradiction, undo the guess and try a different number.

Strategies for Advanced Sudoku Solvers:

• X-Wing: This strategy involves finding two rows (or columns) where a number can only go in four cells. The position of the number forms an "X" shape, and you can eliminate that number from other cells in the same two columns (or rows).
• Swordfish: Similar to X-Wing, Swordfish extends the concept to three rows (or columns) instead of two, forming a "swordfish" shape.
• XY-Wing: XY-Wing involves three cells with three different numbers, connected in a specific pattern. If the numbers meet certain conditions, you can make eliminations.
• XYZ-Wing: This strategy is an extension of the XY-Wing, involving three cells with three different numbers and additional candidates.
• W-Wing: W-Wing is a pattern formed by two cells with two numbers each and two other cells linked to both. It allows for eliminations.
• Coloring: Coloring is a technique that uses different-colored pencil marks to identify patterns and make eliminations based on those patterns.