The New Sudoku Players' Forum

[aa-suited]

All, thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I've just discivered Sudoku and enjoy it very much. I can consistently solve the medium puzzles, but am having trouble getting over the hump on the hard ones. It seems I always bump into a spot where I'm guessing no matter what I do. Below, I've posted an example where I've gotten stuck. If anyone can explain my next step, I'd really appreciate it.

Zack

Code: Select all

* * * - 3 1 9 - * 7 *
9 * * - * 2 * - * 6 1
7 * 1 - * * * - 3 * *

4 * * - 2 * * - * * *
1 8 9 - 4 6 5 - 2 3 7
* * * - * * 1 - * 4 8

* 7 6 - * * * - 4 * 5
8 9 * - * 7 * - * * *
* 1 * - 6 * 2 - 7 * *



[scrose]

You can fill a cell in box 2; look for where you can put the 6.
Then make some eliminations based on a pair in box 3.
Then you can fill a couple cells, one after the other, in box 6.

[aa-suited]

Code: Select all

* * * - 3 1 9 - * 7 *
9 * * - * 2 * - * 6 1
7 * 1 - * * 6 - 3 * *

4 * * - 2 * * - * 5 *
1 8 9 - 4 6 5 - 2 3 7
* * * - * * 1 - * 4 8

* 7 6 - * * * - 4 * 5
8 9 * - * 7 * - * * *
* 1 * - 6 * 2 - 7 * *



I'm guessing that 5 (in box 6) is what you were referring to, to start?

My 5,8 pairs in box 3 eliminate my 5s from column 7 in box 6, so that the five has to go where I've placed it?

Is that right? If so, I think I can take it from here, and my hat's off to you. Thanks a bunch.

Zack

[scrose]

That's it exactly. Welcome to the forum!

[aa-suited]

Code: Select all

6 2 8 - 3 1 9 - 5 7 4
9 4 3 - 5 2 7 - 8 6 1
7 5 1 - 8 4 6 - 3 9 2

4 3 7 - 2 9 8 - 1 5 6
1 8 9 - 4 6 5 - 2 3 7
5 6 2 - 7 3 1 - 9 4 8

2 7 6 - 9 8 3 - 4 1 5
8 9 5 - 1 7 4 - 6 2 3
3 1 4 - 6 5 2 - 7 8 9


BOOM!

I'm actually extremely proud of myself! Again, thanks so much for your help.

-Z

[Karyobin]

Marvellous stuff, as it should be. All's right with the world.