How To Do Hard Sudokus In 10 Minutes
TLDRIn this episode of 'Cracking the Cryptic,' the host dives into a Sudoku puzzle crafted by Sam Kaplan, a member of the UK Sudoku team. The video outlines the host's strategic approach to solving the puzzle, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns and using symmetry to deduce the numbers. The host demonstrates how focusing on specific areas of the grid and utilizing techniques like naked singles and pencil marks can efficiently lead to the solution, showcasing the elegance of Sudoku without relying on complex strategies.
Takeaways
- 𧩠The video is about solving a Sudoku puzzle sent by Sam Kaplan, a member of the UK Sudoku team and a skilled setter.
- π― The host emphasizes the importance of focusing on the unique arrangement and symmetry of the grid rather than rows or columns with four digits.
- π The host starts by examining the impact of the squares around the grid on the 3x3 boxes, leading to the identification of a 4-5 pair.
- π The strategy involves looking for pencil marks and the impact of given digits on the rows and columns.
- π The host uses the technique of noting patterns and exclusions to fill in the blanks, such as identifying a 2-6 and 8-9 pairs.
- π€ The video highlights the use of 'naked single' technique to determine a 9 in a specific square based on the given digits.
- π The host demonstrates how focusing on the right areas of the grid can lead to quick progress in solving the puzzle.
- π The process involves a combination of observation, deduction, and tracking pencil marks to fill in the numbers.
- π The video serves as an educational piece, showing viewers how to apply techniques without resorting to advanced strategies like Finned X-Wings.
- β±οΈ The host mentions that with decent technique, the puzzle can be solved relatively quickly, taking around ten minutes.
- π The video concludes with the host successfully solving the puzzle and expressing interest in covering more advanced Sudoku puzzles in the future.
Q & A
Who is the puzzle creator mentioned in the script?
-Sam Kaplan is the puzzle creator mentioned in the script.
What is Sam Kaplan's role in the UK Sudoku team?
-Sam Kaplan is a member of the UK Sudoku team and is recognized as one of the finest solvers and setters.
What is the significance of the puzzles Sam Kaplan contributed to?
-Sam Kaplan's puzzles are significant because they are considered brilliant and are featured in the first 40 puzzles of the classic Sudoku app.
What is the first observation the speaker makes about the puzzle grid?
-The speaker observes that experienced solvers will notice an unusual arrangement with symmetry around the grid, which is very powerful for solving the puzzle.
How does the speaker initially approach solving the puzzle?
-The speaker initially approaches the puzzle by focusing on the impact of the squares around the grid on the 3x3 boxes, looking for any yielded numbers.
What is the strategy the speaker uses to find the four-five pair?
-The speaker uses the strategy of looking at the impact of the squares on the pattern to immediately identify a four-five pair on the right-hand side of the grid.
How does the speaker use the given digits in the central row and column?
-The speaker uses the given digits in the central row and column to deduce that the missing numbers must be 2, 3, 6, and 7, which helps to fill in the surrounding squares.
What is a 'naked single' as referred to in the script?
-A 'naked single' is a term used in Sudoku to describe a situation where only one possible number can fit into a particular square, based on the other numbers in the same row, column, and 3x3 box.
How does the speaker solve the puzzle?
-The speaker solves the puzzle by using a combination of observation, elimination, and strategic marking of potential numbers, focusing on areas of the grid that yield the most information.
What is the speaker's final comment on the puzzle?
-The speaker's final comment is that the puzzle is an excellent example of a Sudoku that can be solved relatively quickly with decent technique, without needing to use more advanced strategies like Finned Swordfish or Franken X-Wings.
Outlines
𧩠Introduction to Sam Kaplan's Sudoku Puzzle
The video begins with an introduction to a special Sudoku puzzle crafted by Sam Kaplan, a member of the UK Sudoku team and a renowned setter. The host expresses excitement about the puzzle and invites viewers to try it themselves through a link provided under the video. The host emphasizes the importance of focusing on the unique arrangement and symmetry of the grid to make progress, rather than just looking at rows or columns with four digits. The explanation delves into the strategy of identifying patterns and making deductions based on the squares' impact on the 3x3 boxes within the grid.
π Deduction Techniques and Progress
In this segment, the host continues to work through the puzzle, demonstrating various deduction techniques. The focus is on using pencil marks to track possibilities and identifying 'naked singles' to fill in the grid. The host also discusses the process of elimination, particularly when rows or columns have sets of four digits that don't match, allowing for quick deductions. The segment showcases the host's methodical approach to solving the puzzle, highlighting the importance of recognizing patterns and making strategic moves to fill in the grid effectively.
π Solving the Puzzle and Conclusion
The final paragraph sees the host concluding the puzzle, showcasing the final steps to reach the solution. The host reflects on the process, noting that with the right techniques, the puzzle can be solved relatively quickly. The video ends with a commendation for Sam Kaplan's puzzle and an encouragement for viewers to practice similar puzzles to improve their Sudoku skills. The host also teases upcoming content with more advanced Sudoku puzzles featuring exotic techniques, promising more engaging and challenging content for the audience.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Cracking the Cryptic
π‘Sam Kaplan
π‘Classic Sudoku
π‘Sudoku Techniques
π‘Pencil Marks
π‘Symmetry
π‘Naked Single
π‘Parity
π‘Forcing Chains
π‘Pairing
π‘Progression
Highlights
Introduction to the special guest, Sam Kaplan, a member of the UK Sudoku team and a renowned Sudoku setter.
Sam Kaplan's puzzles are featured in the classic Sudoku app, with five of his creations in the first 40 puzzles.
The importance of recognizing the unique arrangement and symmetry in the Sudoku grid for effective solving.
The strategy of focusing on the impact of squares around the grid on the 3x3 boxes.
Identifying and utilizing the power of 'four-five' pairs in the solving process.
The technique of making progress by focusing on the right areas of the grid, leading to quick discoveries.
Using the pattern of given numbers to deduce missing digits in a row or column.
The concept of 'naked single' as a solving technique, identifying a cell that can only contain one possible number.
The process of eliminating possibilities for cells based on the presence of certain numbers in their rows or columns.
The strategic use of pencil marks to track potential numbers and their implications across the grid.
The method of identifying pairs (like 1/8) and using them to deduce other numbers in their vicinity.
The explanation of how the interaction of certain numbers (like 7s) can resolve the placement of other numbers (like 2s and 6s) in the grid.
The satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle with relative ease using effective techniques, without needing to resort to more exotic strategies.
The encouragement for viewers to practice puzzles like this to improve their Sudoku-solving skills.
A tease for upcoming content featuring more advanced Sudoku puzzles with exotic techniques.
Transcripts
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: