dailysudoku.com

Robert Ferre · Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 10

I spent more than three hours doing April 22 twice, and both times I screwed up. I think maybe there is a better use for my time. I tried a new theory. When there were two choices, say, 2 and 7, I did a chain sort of thing. If it were a 2, this would happen, if it were a 7, that would happen. In one instance, say I chose 2, all of the other three cells in the chain were forced into specific numbers, with no other possibilities. On the other hand, if I chose 7, the other three cells would still have multiple possibilities. So I picked 2, because I liked the way things fit together. I got more answers. However, since I crashed and burned at the end, with no hope of fixing it, I guess my theory isn't so good. When there are three to five choices for every square, I just don't have a way to narrow things down. I guess I have to learn some more advanced techniques. Or, alternatively, maybe I could do something productive with my life. Hey, there's an idea.

Marty R. · Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

Korky · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Sheffield, UK

Hi Robert,

I feel for you, having gone through the same. However, let me reassure you; to solve the Daily Sudoku puzzles you do not need to learn any "advanced" techniques. The key is staring you in the face and it is only lack of practice that is holding you up.
Take the puzzle in question. I reached a "sticking point" which may well be the very same which is baulking you. You may resolve it thus:-
Look for the possible occurences of 6 in row 6 and 2 in column 7. Once you have done this, you will know that there is only one value which can go in cell R4c7.
If this isn't the problem, please explain.
Once you have mastered this level, you will rise (or descend) to a new intensity of frustration as you encounter even more exquisitely horrible sudokus.
Enjoy!

Robert Ferre · Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Posts: 10

OK, I finally did this puzzle on the third try. But I still guessed. The first time I guessed wrong, so I chose the other possibility and it worked out. The AARP website now has a daily sudoku puzzle, with features to do it on line. (It might be www.aarpmagazine.org) I guess I'll keep plugging away. Thanks for the support.

ravel · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 536

I dont know, what puzzle Korky is talking about. I have a given 6 in r6c7. With basic methods (pairs, locked candidates, naked triple and a naked quad/hidden triple in box 9) one gets here:

David Bryant · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 559 Location: Denver, Colorado

David Bryant · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 559 Location: Denver, Colorado

ravel · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 536

David Bryant · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 559 Location: Denver, Colorado