Like any of the other games have become popular over the last several years online and in print, Sudoku has several strategies that the experts who play the game can consistently rely upon. While there are usually three different types of these strategies, any combination of them helps you become an expert Sudoku player. The way any individual player approaches the game depends upon personal preference although the strategy of scanning is one of the more popular methods.

Starting right at the beginning of each game, scanning can be used to achieve the desired result. By way of process of elimination players can scan rows to identify which line may contain a certain number sequence that they are looking for. Generally there are two different techniques that can be used during scanning.

The first technique is called crosshatching. Here a player goes through each row looking for the numerical sequences that they need to complete the game. This technique of crosshatching is considered one of the more popular ways to play this game and the process is repeated with the rows and then the columns. It is important to remember to use this process in a logical fashion checking all the digits from one to nine. Advanced players can actually look for certain numerical sequences that keep reappearing.

The other technique that is commonly used in the game is one in which the players count one to nine in regions and rows so that they might identify missing numbers. One way that is common is to count based on upon the last number discovered; in the puzzles that are tougher, it’s also considered a good technique to count the cells in reverse. Generally these are the two commonly accepted ways to go about scanning when you’re playing Sudoku.

When there are no further numerals that can be discovered, scanning is of no use any longer. Then the technique of marking up usually comes into play. One of the methods used to accomplish this is called subscripts notation and this is a technique where the candidiate numbers are written in subscript in the cells.

You may run into a problem when you attempt to use this technique however since the cells are printed in newspapers are generally too small to write in. The solution is easy in that you can photocopy the puzzle and blow it up so that it’s easier to work with.