PUZZLE TECHNIQUES

EASY AS ABC SUDOKU (PUZ 1)

Below we will explain the rules and techniques to solve an Easy as ABC Sudoku using puzzle 1 as example.

You can go to Easy as ABC Sudoku online and try to solve these puzzles.

HOW TO SOLVE AN EASY AS ABC SUDOKU

An Easy as ABC Sudoku is a new variant that combines the rules of classic sudoku with those of Easy as ABC puzzles.

The numbers outside the grid range form 1 to 5. They are the first digit lower than 6 in that row or column from that side.

Tip 1 - LOOK FOR COMMON CLUES

When we find common clues, that only one of them can be in the first cell and the other has to start with 6, 7, 8 or 9. This techniques will help to limit the places for 6, 7, 8 and 9.

When we look at the left clues, than we notice a double 4, a double 5 and a triple 3. Conclusion: the digits 6, 7, 8 and 9 must be before a 4, a 5 and two 3's.

Therefore the renmaining clues (=1 and 2) must be in the first cell. Use the same techniques for the other clues.

TIP 2 - CORNER TECHNIQUE

Look for corners with different clues. Then that cornercell of the puzzle must contain the remaining numbers of the group 6, 7, 8 and 9.

The bottom left corner has clues 3 and 5. Neither of them is allowed in the 1st cell, because then you get a conflict. So we can place the remaining candidates of the 6-9-group and that are 7 and 9.

We have something similar in the bottom right corner with the clue 1 and 2.

TIP 3 - ROW AND COLUMN WITH COMMON CLUE

When you found a row and a colum with a common clue, that you can find the correct place for one of the clues.

We have a double 2 in the bottom clues and we have number 2 as the last number of the right clues. So R9C3 cannot contain digit 2 because it would be too far to match the right clue of row 9. So R9C3 must be 6789 and R9C8 must be 2.

TIP 4 - CONFLICT WITH A CLUE

When you have 2 cells left for a certain number, check to two cells for conflicts with the clues.

Using classic sudoku techniques we find two cells (=R2C2 and R2C3) for digit 2. When we look at the bottom clue of column 3, then we see number 2. So for box 1 R2C2 is the only possible cell for digit 2.

TIP 5 - TOO FAR AWAY

When you have 2 cells left for a certain number, check if one of the cells is too far away for the clue.

When we look at column 2, then the two possible places for digit 1 are R1C2 and R7C2. We cannot place number one at R7C2 because than 1 has a conflict with the top clue of column 2. So number 1 must go in cell R1C2.