(puzzle 1)
(puzzle 2)
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This Sudoku
technique involves noting down all the possible positions for all the numbers from 1-9.
When you have noted down all the possible positions for all the numbers in the Sudoku puzzle, you will often find that some of the cells have only one possible value. Start by filling in these cells and eliminate these values from the other cells in the same row, column and region as the cell you have just completed. This technique is illustrated in the example opposite (puzzle 1).
As you can see, there are a number of isolated values. For your convenience, these have been outlined in red. As there is only one possibility, these values can be definitively entered into the cell. Don’t forget to eliminate this number as an option from the other cells in the same row, column and region. As you can see in the centre left region, this process can reveal other isolated numbers, which can, in turn, be definitively entered into the corresponding cell. This process is illustrated in puzzle 2.
The 4 in row 6 ,column 3, rules out a 4 in column 2 in the same row, which means the value of this cell must be 7. This value, in turn, rules out a 7 in column 2, row 4, which leaves only one possible solution. By a process of elimination, you now know that the last cell has to be a 2. Using this technique, we have been able to complete a whole region, which, in turn, will allow you to complete many other cells in the Sudoku puzzle.
Put this technique to the test with one of our online Sudoku puzzles
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