Sudoku is a classical puzzle game that has been around for decades. Millions of players play it across the globe because it is very simple to learn, easy to play, and super addictive. Sudoku is a logic-based numbers game that involves placing numbers 1-9 in a 9X9 grid. The place must not repeat any number within the columns and rows. Sudoku puzzle games come in various sizes and themes to make players get hooked onto them.
While Sudoku is a very popular puzzle across the globe, many people do not know many facts about this iconic game. In this article, we will discuss some of the top facts about Sudoku that are little known. Keep on reading to explore them.
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Playing Sudoku has plenty of benefits other than just a source of entertainment
Many people actually aren’t aware that playing Sudoku has plenty of benefits. But as much as it can come as a surprise, Sudoku has many benefits, including:
- Improved solving skills
- Stress reliever
- Improved logical thinking
- Improved concentration and memory
So if you have just been playing a Sudoku puzzle, then it’s time to take your gaming passion to the next level!
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Many variations of Sudoku have been released since its release
The modern Sudoku was first released in 1979. It was designed by Howard Garns, a retired architect and freelance puzzle constructor from Indiana. Dell Magazines first published it as Number Place. Since then, several variations of Sudoku have been created, but the original objective remains the same. Some of the most popular versions include Samurai Sudoku, which takes much longer to complete than regular Sudoku. Other versions include Jigsaw Sudoku, Logic 5, Mini Sudoku, and so much more.
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Sudoku is an American game, and not as Japanese as many people believe
One of the less known facts about Sudoku is that the game is not originally Japanese as it is believed by many. Instead, it was invented in America under the name “Number Place” in 1979 and later popularized as “Sudoku” by Japanese publisher Nikoli.
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One cannot complete all of the possible Sudoku puzzles in an entire lifetime
There are over six sextillion puzzles to play. However, only 5,472,730,538 of them are valid. This means you will need a few lifetimes to solve all of them. There are many difficulty levels [at least 5], and there are also enough challenges, depending on players’ skill levels.
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Sudoku is a logic game and not a mathematical game
Many people usually think that Sudoku is a mathematical game, but this isn’t the case. Sudoku is actually a game of logic. It can be played with numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures that do not really need mathematical skills at all. Sudoku is one of the best logic games available on both Android and iOS devices.
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The size of a Sudoku puzzle that can be created is unlimited
The 9X9 puzzle grid is the start of the complexity of Sudoku. If you decide to adjust the size of the grid, you can significantly influence just how easy or hard the puzzle is.
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There are uncountable Sudoku players across the globe
Being that Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time, it has attracted many players worldwide. However, the exact number of Sudoku players across the globe isn’t known since it is played on several platforms worldwide. Estimating the exact number of Sudoku players is next to impossible as some people play it on the web, paper, and downloadable versions.
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The first World Sudoku Championship was held in Italy
The very first Sudoku Championship was held in Italy in 2006. Since then, these Championships are being held in different locations each year. Thomas Snyder from the United States is a three-time World-time Sudoku Championship who completed an Easy Difficulty grading. He did that in just 1 minute and 29.93 seconds.
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Sudoku only became popular after 2004
Howard Garns developed the game in 1979; Dell Magazine published it under the name Number Place. Howard Garns died in 1989 before the game gained popularity. Japanese publisher Nikoli later changed the name to Sudoku. In Japanese, “Su” means a number, while “Doku” means single. So Sudoku means “only single digits.” It was until 2004 when Sudoku became known globally. Sudoku puzzles broke all records as one of the best PC puzzle games. Since then, there is no looking back for Sudoku as it still proves to be one of the best puzzle games for the mobile platform. Today, you will find almost everybody playing Sudoku, whether on paper, on their smartphone, or tablet.
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British airlines forbid their hostesses from playing Sudoku
Since Sudoku puzzles are distracting and very addictive, and flight attendants need to be very attentive to perform their duties, it is for this reason that British airlines forbid their flight attendants from playing Sudoku puzzles during take-offs and landing. Flight attendants can still play this fun and exciting game whenever they are free.
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Sudoku is not unsolvable
Sudoku puzzles have one unique solution. Sudoku puzzles can be solved using the right solving techniques. If you have been playing Sudoku, but you have never completed it, it might be because you aren’t keen on using the right technique. You need to understand the rules of this game if you want to complete it successfully. You can read books and articles on the internet that can help you play this iconic game.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of interesting facts about Sudoku. If you have not yet started playing Sudoku, then it’s time to do so and join the worldwide community of fans to feel this game’s magic.
