The New Sudoku Players' Forum

[NumberCruncher]

I am a newcomer to sudoku. Can anyone explain what on earth "triples", "x-wings", "chains" etc are?

[Shazbot]

take a look here and see if this clears some things up - I'm still trying to understand some of the simpler techniques:
http://www.angusj.com/sudoku/hints.php

[Doyle]

The link that shazbot gave you is excellent. If you're just starting out, you are not likely to need X-wings, chains, etc. just yet, so don't be daunted by all that. But pay close attention to the concepts involving singles, pairs, triples - both hidden and naked. They are the key to solving all of the puzzles up to and including the "Hards."

[Shazbot]

Thanks Doyle - I'm new to the forum and a lot of those terms were TOTALLY alien to me. I'm in awe of you guys who just let them roll off your tongue and actually know what they mean - I see it and think "ok - have to go off to the dictionary again for that one..." - am looking foward to the day when I don't have to struggle to understand hints people give, or don't see "x-wing" and think "well I'll skip this explanation and come back to it later". Thanks for making me more comfortable with sticking to the simpler stuff for a while longer.

[LeeTay]

I have put a glossary/dictionary of Sudoku sites along with a FAQ on my site which you may find useful
www.abcsudoku.com

LT

[Cec]

Hi NumberCruncher,

In addition to the above excellent tips I'd suggest you also look at these sites:
http://forum.enjoysudoku.com/viewtopic.php?p=2#p2
http://www.simes.clara.co.uk/programs/sudokutechniques.htm

I agree with Doyle that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the "basic" stuff before venturing into X-wings, chains,etc.

Cec