Sudoku is a popular number puzzle game that involves filling a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids (also called “boxes” or “blocks”) contain all of the digits from 1 to 9. The puzzle starts with some cells pre-filled with numbers, and the goal is to complete the grid based on these initial clues. Here are the rules of Sudoku:
- Grid Size: The standard Sudoku grid is a 9×9 grid, divided into nine 3×3 subgrids.
- Digits: Use the digits 1 through 9. Each row, column, and subgrid must contain all of the digits from 1 to 9 without repetition.
- Initial Setup: A Sudoku puzzle begins with some cells already filled in with numbers. These initial numbers provide clues for solving the puzzle.
- Objective: The goal is to fill in the remaining empty cells so that every row, column, and 3×3 subgrid contains all the digits from 1 to 9. No digit can be repeated within a row, column, or subgrid.
- Logical Deduction: Sudoku puzzles are designed to be solvable through logical deduction and not require guessing. Players use deductive reasoning and elimination to determine the correct placement of numbers.
- Completing the Grid: The puzzle is considered solved when all the cells are filled, and the rules of Sudoku are satisfied.
Here’s a simple example to illustrate:
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In this example, you would continue to fill in the empty cells following the rules until the entire grid is complete.