The New Sudoku Players' Forum

[vicks93103]

I am unable to find clues to solve a puzzle that was posted in our local newspaper. It is called puzzle #6 and is rated hard.

The original puzzle looks like this:

_ _ 2 / 8 _ _ / _ 6 _
_ _ _ / 2 _ _ / 9 _ _
8 _ 4 / _ _ 1 / _ _ _

_ _ _ / 5 3 _ / _ 7 9
_ 8 _ / _ _ _ / _ 1 _
7 4 _ / _ 1 6 / _ _ _

_ _ _ / 6 _ _ / 7 _ 2
_ _ 8 / _ _ 4 / _ _ _
_ 3 _ / _ _ 9 / 1 _ _

I have been able to solve about half of it but am now completely stuck.
Here is what I have:

_ _ 2 / 8 _ 7 / 3 6 _
3 _ 7 / 2 _ 5 / 9 _ _
8 _ 4 / 3 _ 1 / 2 5 7

_ 2 _ / 5 3 8 / 4 7 9
_ 8 _ / 4 7 2 / _ 1 _
7 4 _ / 9 1 6 / 8 2 _

_ _ _ / 6 _ 3 / 7 _ 2
_ 7 8 / 1 _ 4 / _ _ _
_ 3 _ / 7 _ 9 / 1 _ _

If you can figure out where to go next, I'd appreciate the input. I have the solution in the next day's paper, but don't know how to get to it from here.

Thx

[Shazbot]

check where your remaining 3s can go (esp in column 7) - this will lead you to place some 9s, then the rest of your 3s. The rest of the puzzle can be handled with "naked singles" (cells where only one number can go).

[Cec]

"check where your remaining 3s can go (esp in column 7) .."

As digit 3 already occupies cell r1c7 this would preclude any other 3 in column 7 - Did you mean to say column 8?

Cec

[vicks93103]

Yes, I was able to place a 3 in column 8, and then another, followed by some 9's and 5's I think. Thanks, Shazbot! I completed the puzzle and then completed it again (another copy I had). I am just starting out and am completely addicted!

[Shazbot]

thanks Cec - why am I the only one who seems to continually get row and column numbers off? Must be more careful with that....

[Cec]

"thanks Cec - why am I the only one who seems to continually get row and column numbers off?.."

You're not - but at least we both haven't made any more mistakes "this year" !
Cec