'Hard' sudoku made easy - with this simple method
TLDRIn this engaging video, the host dives into a challenging puzzle submitted by Patina from Switzerland, which was sourced from the New York Times Hard Puzzle. The host methodically works through the puzzle, employing logical deduction and strategic placements to fill in the numbers. Key to solving the puzzle are the identification and utilization of 'hidden pairs' such as the 5/8 and 1/9 pairs, which significantly narrow down the possibilities for certain cells. The process involves eliminating options based on given numbers and their positions, leading to the gradual completion of the puzzle. The video is not only a puzzle-solving session but also an educational experience, demonstrating the power of pairs and the importance of strategic elimination. The host encourages viewers to try solving the puzzle themselves and appreciates their progress, making the video both interactive and informative.
Takeaways
- 🧩 The video is a walkthrough of solving a challenging puzzle sent by a viewer named Patina from Switzerland.
- 🔍 The host encourages viewers to pause and attempt the puzzle themselves before revealing the solution.
- 📐 The puzzle-solving process involves logical deduction based on the numbers given and the rules of the puzzle.
- ✏️ Pencil marks are used to keep track of possibilities and eliminate options as the puzzle is solved.
- 🔑 The concept of 'pairs' is crucial in solving the puzzle, as certain numbers can only be in specific cells based on the given clues.
- 🚫 The presence of certain numbers in a row or column can eliminate the possibility of those numbers being in other cells.
- 🔄 The process involves a lot of backtracking and re-evaluation as new information is uncovered.
- 🎯 Identifying 'hidden pairs' can significantly speed up the solving process by reducing the options for where numbers can be placed.
- 📈 As the puzzle nears completion, the remaining empty cells often become easier to fill in due to the reduced possibilities.
- 🤔 The host admits to struggling at times, showing that puzzle-solving can be challenging even for experienced solvers.
- 📚 The video concludes with a summary that emphasizes the importance of finding and utilizing pairs, as well as the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle.
Q & A
What type of puzzle is being discussed in the video?
-The video discusses a cryptic puzzle that was featured in the New York Times and was found to be challenging by a viewer named Patina from Switzerland.
What is the strategy used to solve the puzzle?
-The strategy involves identifying numbers that can only go in specific cells based on the given clues and the process of elimination, using pairs and the positions of numbers already placed in the grid.
What is a 'pair' in the context of this puzzle?
-A 'pair' refers to two cells in the puzzle where a number can only be in one of those cells, based on the numbers already placed in the grid and the rules of the puzzle.
How does the speaker use the concept of 'hidden pairs' to solve the puzzle?
-The speaker identifies 'hidden pairs' which are two cells that can only contain certain numbers based on the surrounding numbers and rules. This helps to narrow down the possibilities and fill in more numbers in the grid.
What role do the numbers 5 and 8 play in the puzzle?
-The numbers 5 and 8 are used to form pairs and to eliminate possibilities for other numbers in certain cells. They help to identify where these numbers must go in the grid based on the given clues and the process of elimination.
What is the significance of the '1' in the top box?
-The placement of the number '1' in the top box is determined by the process of elimination, using the numbers already placed in the grid. It helps to fill in more numbers and move the puzzle towards completion.
How does the speaker determine the placement of the number '9'?
-The speaker determines the placement of the number '9' by using the process of elimination and identifying pairs. The '9' can only go in certain cells based on the numbers around it and the rules of the puzzle.
What is the final step the speaker takes to complete the puzzle?
-The final step involves resolving the placement of the remaining numbers, particularly using the pairs and the process of elimination to fill in the last few cells, leading to the completion of the puzzle.
What does the speaker suggest for viewers who want to solve the puzzle themselves?
-The speaker encourages viewers to pause the video, copy the puzzle down, and attempt to solve it on their own before following along with the provided solution.
Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of pairs in solving the puzzle?
-The speaker emphasizes the importance of pairs because they significantly reduce the complexity of the puzzle by limiting the possible locations for certain numbers, thus making the solution process more manageable.
What is the overall message or lesson the speaker wants the viewers to take away from the video?
-The overall message is that with methodical reasoning, the use of pairs, and the process of elimination, even a challenging cryptic puzzle can be solved step by step.
How does the speaker engage the audience during the video?
-The speaker engages the audience by encouraging them to think along, pause and attempt the puzzle, and by acknowledging that viewers might solve it faster or spot things the speaker might miss, making the experience interactive and inclusive.
Outlines
🧩 Introduction and Puzzle Overview
The video begins with a greeting and an introduction to the puzzle submitted by Patina from Switzerland. The host explains that Patina found a New York Times hard puzzle too challenging and requested help. The host encourages viewers to try the puzzle themselves before revealing the solution. The summary includes the initial steps of solving the puzzle, such as identifying the placement of numbers based on the given clues and using logic to eliminate possibilities.
🚀 Progressing Through the Puzzle
The host continues to work through the puzzle, using strategies like pencil marks and recognizing number pairs to deduce where certain numbers must go. The summary outlines the process of eliminating options for numbers based on their positions in the grid and the presence of other numbers. The host also discusses the importance of pairs in solving the puzzle and how they can restrict the placement of other numbers.
🔍 Deep Dive into Pairs and Elimination
The video progresses with a deeper analysis of the puzzle, focusing on the use of pairs and the process of elimination to fill in the grid. The host identifies specific pairs, such as the 5/8 pair, and explains how they help to narrow down the possible locations for numbers. The summary details the step-by-step logic used to fill in the grid, including the identification of hidden pairs and the resolution of cells based on the remaining possible numbers.
🎉 Wrapping Up the Puzzle Solution
The host concludes the video by finishing the puzzle and summarizing the key strategies used to solve it. The summary highlights the importance of finding hidden pairs and the methodical process of elimination that led to the solution. The host also encourages viewers to subscribe and support the channel on Patreon, and thanks them for watching the video.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cryptic Puzzle
💡Hidden Pair
💡Pencil Marks
💡Elimination
💡Box
💡Column
💡Row
💡Number Placement
💡Puzzle Solver
💡Patina
💡New York Times Hard Puzzle
Highlights
The puzzle was sent in by Patina from Switzerland who found it too challenging.
The puzzle is from the New York Times hard puzzle section.
The presenter starts by filling in some ones down the middle of the grid.
Pencil marks are used to keep track of potential numbers.
The presenter uses the given 8s to deduce possible positions for other 8s in the grid.
A 5 in the central square is deduced based on the surrounding numbers.
The presenter identifies a 5/8 pair which helps to narrow down possibilities in a specific box.
A hidden pair of seven and three is discovered, providing useful constraints for the grid.
The presenter emphasizes the importance of considering pairs in solving the puzzle.
A 1 in row 4 is deduced to be in a specific box based on other given 1s.
The presenter uses the process of elimination to place a 3 in a particular row.
A 6 is fixed in the top left box based on other numbers in the grid.
The presenter finds a four in a specific cell by process of elimination.
A complete box is filled, showcasing progress in the puzzle.
The presenter identifies a 2 or 4, and a 7 as possible numbers in a cell.
Double sixes are used to deduce the placement of a six in the top left box.
The presenter resolves the placement of threes and sevens in the grid.
A nine-five pair is resolved, contributing to the completion of the puzzle.
The final steps involve disambiguating pairs and filling in the remaining numbers.
The presenter concludes by emphasizing the importance of finding hidden pairs in the puzzle-solving process.
Transcripts
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