Sudoku
   Academy

adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win

Max McKeown

Welcome to the unique board variants at Sudoku X Academy: Sudoku X and Sudoku Blocks. Each of these versions of the game presents its own set of rules and challenges, demanding specific techniques that are tailored to their individual layouts. 

Sudoku X, with its added diagonals, calls for a keen eye to balance the classic Sudoku rules with the X-factor. On the other hand, Sudoku Blocks introduces a twist with non-standard-shaped regions, requiring a flexible approach to the traditional strategies you know well. In this section of the Sudoku Academy, you’ll learn the best methods needed to master these distinctive puzzles.

variants techniques

Last
free cell

The very first step you can take is to search for obvious naked singles. Why? Because they’re the low-hanging fruit, as it’s often described. You shouldn’t make Sudoku harder for yourself when there’s an easier way.

This fundamental Sudoku technique involves identifying numbers for which it’s immediately apparent that there’s no other option. That’s why they’re called “Obvious” or “Naked Singles.”

If you observe the highlighted cell, you’ll see the number 7 noted in the so-called notes. In this instance, this is the only cell with just one number, which indicates that the number 7 is the sole solution here. Erase the note and input the number 7 into the cell, and you’ve successfully tackled an Obvious or Naked Single.

By the way, you can apply this technique multiple times throughout the game. As you progress in the game, obvious or naked singles will reveal themselves more frequently.

We believe it’s wise to always start by searching for Obvious or Naked Singles first since you won’t need to pay attention to them afterward. Moreover, it aids you in making decisions later in the rest of the game.

Note: It’s essential to be patient when using this technique. Sometimes, the obvious or naked single might not immediately stand out, especially when the board is densely populated with numbers. Practicing regularly helps enhance your ability to spot these singles quickly, speeding up your game significantly.

Last
possible number

The very first step you can take is to search for obvious naked singles. Why? Because they’re the low-hanging fruit, as it’s often described. You shouldn’t make Sudoku harder for yourself when there’s an easier way.

This fundamental Sudoku technique involves identifying numbers for which it’s immediately apparent that there’s no other option. That’s why they’re called “Obvious” or “Naked Singles.”

If you observe the highlighted cell, you’ll see the number 7 noted in the so-called notes. In this instance, this is the only cell with just one number, which indicates that the number 7 is the sole solution here. Erase the note and input the number 7 into the cell, and you’ve successfully tackled an Obvious or Naked Single.

By the way, you can apply this technique multiple times throughout the game. As you progress in the game, obvious or naked singles will reveal themselves more frequently.

We believe it’s wise to always start by searching for Obvious or Naked Singles first since you won’t need to pay attention to them afterward. Moreover, it aids you in making decisions later in the rest of the game.

Note: It’s essential to be patient when using this technique. Sometimes, the obvious or naked single might not immediately stand out, especially when the board is densely populated with numbers. Practicing regularly helps enhance your ability to spot these singles quickly, speeding up your game significantly.

Last
possible position

The very first step you can take is to search for obvious naked singles. Why? Because they’re the low-hanging fruit, as it’s often described. You shouldn’t make Sudoku harder for yourself when there’s an easier way.

This fundamental Sudoku technique involves identifying numbers for which it’s immediately apparent that there’s no other option. That’s why they’re called “Obvious” or “Naked Singles.”

If you observe the highlighted cell, you’ll see the number 7 noted in the so-called notes. In this instance, this is the only cell with just one number, which indicates that the number 7 is the sole solution here. Erase the note and input the number 7 into the cell, and you’ve successfully tackled an Obvious or Naked Single.

By the way, you can apply this technique multiple times throughout the game. As you progress in the game, obvious or naked singles will reveal themselves more frequently.

We believe it’s wise to always start by searching for Obvious or Naked Singles first since you won’t need to pay attention to them afterward. Moreover, it aids you in making decisions later in the rest of the game.

Note: It’s essential to be patient when using this technique. Sometimes, the obvious or naked single might not immediately stand out, especially when the board is densely populated with numbers. Practicing regularly helps enhance your ability to spot these singles quickly, speeding up your game significantly.

Sudoku
   Academy