If you’ve never done a Sudoku before in your life, this is a good place to start. In this episode I will outline the rules, along with some basic applications.

Here is a blank Sudoku puzzle. Things to note:

• Nine rows (going across)
• Nine columns (up and down)
• Nine big boxes (with a darker outline)

Each row, column, and big box have all the numbers 1-9

There Must be exactly one of each number in any row, column, or big box.

That is basically the only rule you need to know. You may take this rule for granted at times, but I bolded it because it is THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE OF SUDOKU. Every single strategy for the rest of this series is based off that sentence.

Lesson 1.1

Take a look at this super simplified puzzle.

Hopefully you can fill in the missing number in the second column. If not, check out the big blue sentence above one more time.

As you probably guessed, the answer is 8. There has to be an 8 in the column, and that square was the last one available.

(Don’t forget, this same hint applies to columns and big boxes.)

Lesson 1.2

This time, find where the 7 should go in the upper-left big box.

Remember that there must be one 7 in every row, column, and big box.

This one is a little bit trickier (hence the 1.2 instead of 1.1), so I provided a picture of the solution below.

As you can see, the first two columns already have 7s. So do rows two and three.

Let me point out that numbers in this game are ruthless. Once they are written, they don’t allow anyone similar to them in their sight!

That means, the only square left for this poor 7 to go, is in the top right (written in green)

Boss Level 1

It is time, young grasshoppers, to face the challenge.

My last words of advice: each little square can only have one number in it. Using that clue, 1.1, and 1.2, I implore you to rise up! Show this Sudoku what you’re made of!

First person to email me (19370@jcpstudents.org) a correct solution will be featured in next week’s episode.

Happy Sudoku-ing, and see you next week on The Roundup.