#Tricks to solve sudoku faster pdf how to#

The number 1 can only reside in three of the six highlighted cells. In this case two cells (R1,C9) and (R9,C1) are already solved. It is not necessary that all nine cells contain the candidate number 1. Each row has the number 1 in only two cells in this case. In the example shown, a Sudoku Swordfish pattern occurs in rows 1, 8, and 9. This candidate must reside in each of the three rows and share the same three columns or vice versa. Sudoku Swordfish is a variation of the X-Wing pattern.Ī Swordfish pattern occurs when three rows (or three columns) each contain 2 or 3 cells that hold a matching locked candidate. Some of these terms (except locked candidates and color) are explained in my illustrative article Sudoku Tips.

#Tricks to solve sudoku faster pdf how to#

Read my article “Solve Sudoku” for a step by step description on how to reach the place where you apply this technique. You will also need to solve some cells using the colors technique. You will encounter naked and hidden singles, naked pairs, and locked candidates.

You will need to partially solve the puzzle to reach the pattern as shown in the picture below. You can print the puzzle from your Adobe® Reader.

Download this very hard Sudoku puzzle #2 if you wish to try to solve this puzzle yourself. In this article, I will use one of my handcrafted Sudoku puzzles that has a known Swordfish pattern. You will need to know this technique in order to solve the occasional Sudoku puzzle that has this pattern without (ugh!) guessing.