What is the xy rule in Sudoku?

An XY-Wing is a group of three cells, one sharing a unit with the other two, each having only 2 candidates. The two cells that share a unit with the first are called the Wings. Each of the wings must share one candidate with the first cell, (that's part of sharing a unit) but of different values.

How do you identify an XY chain in Sudoku?

The "X" and the "Y" in the name represent these two values in each chain link. If A7 is 5 then A3/C7/C9 cannot be. if A7 is NOT 5 then it's 9, so A5 must be 2, which forces A1 to be 6. If A1 is 6 then C2 is 5.

What is the easiest way to find xy chain in Sudoku?

To use XY-Chain, look for two bi-value cells (we'll call them "pincers") that can't see each other but that have at least one number in common (we'll call it the "shared number.") In the example below, our pincers are light green, and both of them have the same candidates.

What is the best algorithm to solve Sudoku?

We conclude that the rule-based algorithm is by far the most efficient al- gorithm when it comes to solving Sudoku puzzles. It is also shown that some correlation in difficulty rating exists between the backtrack and rule-based algorithms.

What is the best order to solve Sudoku?

The easiest way starting a Sudoku puzzle is to scan rows and columns within each triple-box area, eliminating numbers or squares and finding situations where only a single number can fit into a single square. The scanning technique is fast and usually sufficient to solve easy puzzles all the way to the end.

Y-wing (XY Wing) - an Advanced Sudoku technique

How can you tell a swordfish in Sudoku?

A Swordfish is a 3 by 3 nine-cell pattern where a candidate is found on three different rows (or three columns) and they line up in the opposite direction.

What is the chain rule in Sudoku?

A 'chain' is a series of links hopping from one candidate to another following very simple rules. A candidate can either be ON or OFF. That is, we either think it is a possible solution to that cell, or we do not. There are consequences to the rest of the board when we 'link' these two states.

What is the unique rectangle rule in Sudoku?

A "Unique Rectangle" (UR) consists of four cells that occupy exactly two rows, two columns, and two boxes. All four cells have the same two candidates left (in real sudokus not all cells have to hold all of the UR candidates, see below).

Is there a Sudoku formula?

For example, in the first and fourth columns beginning from the left of the 9×9 grid, we can form the following equations: m+n=a, g+n+f=g+c. In the second and last rows beginning from the top of the 9×9 grid, the following equations can be formed: b+g+f=a+g, e+n+m=a+b+d.

How do you find hidden doubles in Sudoku?

Looking for hidden groups

If you're looking for hidden pairs, you're looking for two numbers which only exist in two cells within that area – even though there will be other candidates in the same cell “hiding” them. For triples, you'll be looking for three cells, and so on.

What are the 3 rules of Sudoku?

What is the 45 rule in Sudoku?

The 45 rule is a basic solving-technique in Killer Sudoku. Each house (row, column, nonet) must add to 45 (the sum of the digits 1 through 9).

What is the hidden triple rule in Sudoku?

"Hidden triples" applies when three cells in a row, column, or 3x3 block contain the same three Notes. These three cells also contain other candidates, which may be removed from them.

What should I look for first in Sudoku?

Look for the easy play first: When you first start to play a Sudoku puzzle, look for where you have the easiest opportunities to add a number. Usually this is where there is a crowded square or a row that is almost full of numbers.

How do you know if a Sudoku is unsolvable?

Solvable A sudoku puzzle is solvable if there is only one way to fill in a sudoku board to make it valid. Cell A cell is a position on the Sudoku board. Cells contain cell values and pencil-marks (denoted by (n, {a, b, ..., j}) with n the value of the cell and {a, b, ..., j} the set of pencil-marks).

How do you spot a jellyfish in Sudoku?

A Jellyfish occurs when in four rows all possible cells for a given digit lie in four columns. This digit can be eliminated from the remaining cells of these columns.

Can there be 2 solutions to a Sudoku puzzle?

A well-formed Sudoku puzzle is one that has a unique solution. A Sudoku puzzle can have more than one solution, but in this case the kind of logical reasoning we described while discussing solving strategies may fall short.

Is Sudoku good for the brain?

Sudoku keeps your brain active and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's, a most common cause of dementia that affects a person's thinking and behavioural skills. Stimulates your mind: The game works on your logical thinking process as you are absorbed in solving a puzzle and eventually improve your number skills.

Is there a solution to every Sudoku puzzle?

Realistically, no! There are 6,670,903,752,021,072,936,960 possible solvable Sudoku grids that yield a unique result (that's 6 sextillion, 670 quintillion, 903 quadrillion, 752 trillion, 21 billion, 72 million, 936 thousand, 960 in case you were wondering). That's way more than the number of stars in the universe.

What is the average time to solve a Sudoku?

It can be incredibly challenging to solve a Sudoku puzzle. That's what makes it fun. It is believed that the average Sudoku player spends approximately 20 minutes solving a typical Sudoku puzzle. For very hard puzzles, that number can be much higher.

What is the smartest way to play Sudoku?

What is the key to Killer Sudoku?

The 45 Rule

An essential Killer Sudoku solving technique is the "45 rule". This uses the fact that every row, column and block must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9 once. Therefore, the total of all numbers in one row, column or block will always be 45.

What is an evil Sudoku puzzle?

What is Sudoku Evil? Sudoku evil is a 9×9 grid sudoku puzzle with the highest possible level of difficulty. It's an advanced level only for experienced sudoku solvers.