Killer sudoku explained
If you're a fan of Sudoku and are looking for a new challenge, then you might want to try Killer Sudoku. It's a variant of Sudoku that adds a new dimension to the puzzle by introducing arithmetic operations and cages. In this article, we'll explain what Killer Sudoku is and provide you with some tips on how to solve it.
What is Killer Sudoku?
Killer Sudoku is a puzzle game that combines elements of Sudoku and Kakuro. It's played on a 9x9 grid, just like Sudoku, but with an added twist. In Killer Sudoku, some of the cells are grouped together into cages, which are usually outlined by bold lines. Each cage contains a target number, and the numbers in the cage must be combined using arithmetic operations to produce that target number.
The goal of the game is to fill in the grid with digits from 1 to 9, so that each row, column, and 3x3 sub-grid contains all nine digits exactly once, and the rules of the cages are also satisfied.
How to Solve Killer Sudoku
Solving a Killer Sudoku puzzle requires a mix of logic, deduction, and basic arithmetic skills. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Look for the cages with the smallest or largest target numbers: These cages will provide the most information about the digits that must be placed inside them. For example, if you have a cage with a target number of 3, then you know that the cage must contain the digits 1 and 2.
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Use the sum of the digits in a cage to eliminate possibilities: Since the digits in a cage must add up to the target number, you can use this information to eliminate possibilities for the remaining cells in the cage. For example, if you have a cage with a target number of 21 and you already have the digits 6, 7, and 8 in the cage, then you know that the remaining cells must add up to 21 - (6 + 7 + 8) = 0. This means that the remaining cells must be 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
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Look for cells with limited possibilities: Some cells can only contain one digit, based on the digits already placed in the same row, column, or sub-grid. Identifying and filling in these cells can help you narrow down the possibilities for other cells.
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Use logic and deduction to fill in the remaining cells: As with traditional Sudoku puzzles, you'll need to use logic and deduction to fill in the remaining cells. This can involve techniques such as scanning rows, columns, and sub-grids for missing digits or using elimination to determine which digits can go in a particular cell.
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Don't forget to check your work: It's always a good idea to double-check your work to make sure you haven't made any mistakes. One wrong digit can throw off the entire puzzle.
Best newspapers that feature killer sudoku:
many newspapers publish Killer Sudoku puzzles in their print or online editions. Here are a few examples:
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The Guardian: The Guardian publishes Killer Sudoku puzzles daily in their print edition, as well as online at their website: The guardian Killer sudoku
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The Telegraph: The Telegraph publishes Killer Sudoku puzzles daily in their print edition, as well as online at their website: The telegraph sudoku
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The Times: The Times publishes Killer Sudoku puzzles daily in their print edition, as well as online at their website (requires a subscription): The times sudoku killer
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USA Today: USA Today publishes Killer Sudoku puzzles daily in their print edition, as well as online at their website: USA Today Sudoku
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New York Times SUdoku - NYT sudoku
These are just a few examples, but there are many other newspapers and puzzle websites that offer Killer Sudoku puzzles.
Conclusion
Killer Sudoku is a challenging variant of Sudoku that requires a mix of logic, deduction, and basic arithmetic skills to solve. By following the tips outlined above and practicing regularly, you can improve your Killer Sudoku skills and tackle even the toughest puzzles. So, the next time you're looking for a new Sudoku challenge, give Killer Sudoku a try and see how far you can go!
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