How to Start a Puzzle

Understanding the Concept

Step 1: Scan the entire grid to get familiar with the given numbers.

Step 2: Look for rows, columns, or boxes that are nearly complete (6-8 numbers filled).

Step 3: For each missing number, check if it can only go in one place.

Step 4: Start with the numbers that appear most frequently in the grid.

Step 5: Work systematically - don't jump randomly around the grid.

Step 6: Use pencil marks (candidates) to track possibilities in harder puzzles.

Pro Tips

• •Look for "low-hanging fruit" - obvious placements first
• •Check each number 1-9 systematically
• •Focus on houses (rows/columns/boxes) with the most clues
• •Don't guess - there's always a logical next step

Practice Exercise