Sudoku puzzle book creator: create, publish and sell on KDP, tips tricks and strategies for beginner to advanced players.

This is a how to article by Saffron

table of contents

  1. how to solve sudoku puzzles
  2. detailed explanation of the rules of sudoku puzzles
  3. tips and tricks on how to quickly solve sudoku puzzles
  4. advanced strategies for solving sudoku puzzles
  5. how to make money with sudoku puzzle books

how to solve sudoku puzzles

Sudoku is a number puzzle game that requires logic and patience to solve. The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids (also called "boxes" or "regions") contains all of the digits from 1 to 9. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to work through difficult KDP Sudoku puzzle books:

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Basic Rules:

1. Each Row Must Have the Numbers 1-9:

In each row of the 9x9 grid, every number from 1 to 9 must appear once and only once.

2. Each Column Must Have the Numbers 1-9:

In each column of the 9x9 grid, every number from 1 to 9 must appear once and only once.

3. Each 3x3 Subgrid Must Have the Numbers 1-9:

In each of the nine 3x3 subgrids, every number from 1 to 9 must appear once and only once.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start with the Given Numbers:

Begin by looking at the numbers already provided in the puzzle. These are usually given in specific positions and cannot be changed.

2. Analyze Rows and Columns:

Examine each row and column to identify any numbers that are missing. Look for opportunities to place numbers based on the given constraints.

3. Check 3x3 Subgrids:

Analyze each 3x3 subgrid to identify missing numbers. Remember that each number from 1 to 9 must appear once in each subgrid.

4. Use the Pencil Marking Technique:

In each cell, use small numbers (pencil marks) to indicate potential candidates. Cross out numbers that cannot go in a particular cell based on the numbers already in the row, column, and subgrid.

5. Solve Singles:

Look for cells where only one number is a candidate based on the pencil marks. Fill in these numbers.

6. Apply Exclusion:

Examine rows, columns, and subgrids to identify where a number can only go in one cell. If a particular number is restricted to a single row, column, or subgrid, place that number there.

7. Look for Doubles and Triples:

Identify pairs or triples of numbers in a row, column, or subgrid. If two or three cells in the same row, column, or subgrid contain the same two or three numbers as candidates, you can eliminate those numbers from other cells in that row, column, or subgrid.

8. Iterate and Repeat:

Continue solving the puzzle using the above steps. As you fill in more numbers, new possibilities may become apparent.

9. Check for Contradictions:

Regularly check if your placements adhere to the rules. If you find a contradiction, go back and reevaluate your choices.

10. Patience and Perseverance:

Sudoku, as with logic based KDP puzzle books like arithmagon, requires patience, and some puzzles can be more challenging than others. Keep refining your approach and making progress step by step.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll improve your ability to solve Sudoku puzzles of varying difficulty levels.

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The rules of sudoku puzzles

The objective of Sudoku is to fill the entire grid with digits from 1 to 9, ensuring that each row, each column, and each 3x3 subgrid contains all the numbers from 1 to 9 without repetition. Here are the detailed rules of Sudoku:
1. The Grid:

A Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid, resulting in 81 cells in total.

2. The Rows:

There are nine horizontal rows, numbered 1 to 9. Each row must contain every digit from 1 to 9 without repetition.

3. The Columns:

There are nine vertical columns, also numbered 1 to 9. Like the rows, each column must contain every digit from 1 to 9 without repetition.

4. The Subgrids (Boxes or Regions):

The 9x9 grid is further divided into nine 3x3 subgrids, forming a total of nine boxes or regions. Each subgrid must contain every digit from 1 to 9 without repetition.

5. Initial Numbers:

Some numbers are pre-filled in the puzzle, often referred to as "given" or "clue" numbers. These numbers provide the starting point for solving the puzzle.

6. Completing the Grid:

Your task is to fill in the remaining empty cells with numbers from 1 to 9, ensuring that the rules of no repetition within rows, columns, and subgrids are followed.

7. No Repetition:

In each row, column, and subgrid, every digit from 1 to 9 must appear exactly once.

8. Pencil Marks:

Players often use a technique called "pencil marks" to jot down potential candidates in empty cells. These are small notations of the possible numbers that could go in a specific cell based on the constraints of the row, column, and subgrid.

9. Logical Deduction:

Solving Sudoku requires logical deduction rather than guesswork. You should be able to determine the placement of numbers based on the given clues and the rules of the game.

10. Solving Strategies:

Strategies include identifying singles (cells with only one possible candidate), looking for exclusions, finding pairs or triples in rows, columns, or subgrids, and more. Advanced strategies may be employed for more challenging puzzles. They can then be applied to other types of KDP math puzzle books like nurikabe

11. Unique Solution:

A valid Sudoku puzzle has only one solution. Puzzles should be designed in a way that leads to a unique and logical solution.

12. Symmetry:

Many KDP math puzzle book exercises like sudoku and shingoki exhibit a degree of symmetry, providing an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of numbers across the grid. However, symmetry is not a strict rule for Sudoku puzzles.

By adhering to these rules and employing logical deduction, players can successfully solve Sudoku puzzles of varying difficulty levels. The challenge lies in carefully filling in the grid while respecting the constraints imposed by the rows, columns, and subgrids.

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tips and tricks on how to quickly solve sudoku puzzles

Solving Sudoku puzzles quickly requires a combination of strategy, pattern recognition, and efficient decision-making. Here are some tips and tricks to help you solve Sudoku puzzles more efficiently:

1. Scan the Puzzle Quickly:

Before making any moves, scan the entire puzzle to identify any obvious placements or patterns. Look for rows, columns, or subgrids with several given numbers.

2. Start with Easy Numbers:

Begin by placing the easiest and most obvious numbers first. Look for single candidates (cells where only one number is possible) in rows, columns, and subgrids.

3. Use Pencil Marks:

Employ pencil marks (small notations of potential candidates) in empty cells to keep track of possibilities. This helps you visualize and eliminate options quickly.

4. Check Rows, Columns, and Subgrids:

Regularly scan rows, columns, and subgrids to identify missing numbers. If a number is restricted to a particular row, column, or subgrid, use that information to make placements.

5. Look for Doubles and Triples:

Identify pairs or triples of numbers that appear in a row, column, or subgrid. This can help you eliminate other candidates and make faster decisions.

6. Practice Exclusion:

Apply exclusion techniques. If a number can only go in one cell within a row, column, or subgrid, eliminate that number as a candidate from other cells in that unit.

7. Solve Subgrids Methodically:

Focus on filling in one subgrid at a time, systematically working through each row and column. This approach can help you maintain a clear strategy and avoid overlooking placements.

8. Use Logical Deduction:

Sudoku is a game of logic, not guesswork. Avoid making random guesses; instead, use logical deduction to solve the puzzle. If you encounter contradictions, reevaluate your choices.

9. Look for Hidden Singles:

Search for "hidden singles," where a number has only one possible placement in a row, column, or subgrid. These can be easily overlooked but are powerful for advancing in the puzzle.

10. Prioritize Boxes with More Given Numbers:

If a subgrid has more given numbers, prioritize solving that subgrid first. It often leads to quicker progress in the puzzle.

11. Practice Regularly:

Regular practice enhances your pattern recognition skills and makes you more adept at solving Sudoku puzzles quickly.

12. Stay Calm and Focused:

Maintaining a calm and focused mindset is crucial. Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time to analyze the puzzle systematically.

13. Learn Advanced Techniques:

Familiarize yourself with advanced solving techniques, such as X-wing, Swordfish, or Jellyfish, for more challenging puzzles. These techniques can help you spot patterns efficiently.

14. Use Online Solvers for Practice:

Use online Sudoku solvers to practice and observe how advanced strategies are applied. This can enhance your understanding of puzzle-solving techniques.

Remember that speed comes with practice and experience. As you become more familiar with common patterns and solving strategies, your ability to quickly solve Sudoku puzzles will improve.

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advanced strategies for solving sudoku puzzles

As you progress to more challenging Sudoku puzzles, you may encounter situations where basic strategies are not sufficient. Here are some advanced solving techniques to help you tackle tougher puzzles:

1. Naked Pairs:

If two cells in a row, column, or subgrid have only the same two candidates, you can eliminate those candidates from other cells in the same unit.

2. Naked Triples and Quads:

Extend the concept of Naked Pairs to Naked Triples and Naked Quads. If three or four cells in a unit have the same three or four candidates, respectively, you can eliminate those candidates from other cells in the unit.

3. Hidden Pairs:

Look for pairs of candidates that exist in only two cells in a row, column, or subgrid. Even though other candidates may be present in those cells, the hidden pair candidates can be eliminated from other cells in the same unit.

4. Hidden Triples and Quads:

Similar to Hidden Pairs, identify hidden triples and quads. If three or four candidates exist in only three or four cells in a unit, respectively, you can eliminate those candidates from other cells in the unit.

5. X-wing:

If two rows or columns each have only two cells that can contain a specific candidate, and those cells align in a rectangle, you can eliminate that candidate from other cells in the rows or columns.

6. Swordfish:

Generalizing the concept of X-wing, Swordfish applies to three rows or columns where the candidate appears in only two possible cells in each row or column. This allows you to eliminate the candidate from other cells in the three rows or columns.

7. Jellyfish:

Jellyfish is an extension of Swordfish to four rows or columns. If a candidate is restricted to only two cells in each of four rows or columns, you can eliminate that candidate from other cells in those rows or columns.

8. XY-wing:

If three cells share three candidates and form a chain of strong and weak links, you can eliminate the shared candidate from other cells that "see" all three.

9. XYZ-wing:

An extension of the XY-wing, the XYZ-wing involves three cells with three candidates, forming a chain of strong and weak links. This technique can help you eliminate a candidate from other cells that "see" all three.

10.

Coloring:

Identify cells that can only be one of two candidates in a unit. Assign a color to each candidate and follow the chain of connections. If the chain results in a contradiction, you can eliminate one of the candidates from certain cells.
11. X-cycle and Y-cycle:

These are more advanced techniques involving chains of candidates. An X-cycle is a loop involving two candidates, while a Y-cycle involves three candidates. Understanding these cycles can help you eliminate candidates effectively.

Remember that these advanced techniques might take time to master, and they are not always necessary for every KDP Sudoku puzzle book. Regular practice and exposure to different puzzle variations will enhance your ability to apply these strategies effectively.

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how to make money with sudoku puzzle books

Our online puzzle book creator simplifies the process of generating puzzle books suitable for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) in PDF format, with a focus on creating sudoku puzzle books.

Follow these steps to create an exclusive puzzle book featuring sudoku puzzles:

  1. Choose the sudoku puzzle type within the app.
  2. Input the details of your puzzle book, specifying the desired number of pages and manuscript dimensions.
  3. Click the "Generate" button and patiently wait for the completion of the generation process.

Ensure you do not close the tab during the generation process. If there's a delay or an error, initiate the regeneration process, as errors are typically associated with the hosting provider used during app development.

Our puzzle book creator adopts a unique pricing structure, foregoing monthly or yearly subscriptions for a flat rate per manuscript.

Upon generation, the system provides a watermarked preview copy, enabling users to assess and test the puzzle book on various platforms for acceptability.

Satisfied users can proceed to make a one-time payment of $5 to obtain a full manuscript without watermarks. This pricing strategy aims to offer a fair and transparent cost, avoiding recurring fees for users exploring the full utility of the service. The $5 fee is considered fair, taking into account the time and potential expenses saved.

"-to your success"