Studying a little theory is a good idea. Join a discussion group of other Sudoku junkies. If you are beyond the point of viewing it as “just a game to pass the time” - and you are fairly fast then just as a great Chess player knows what move to make in response to his or her opponents last move - over time you will memorize by rote what worked and what didn’t.

In the meantime let’s have a little fun with the strategies. If you hear a description of a strategy you have used and are familiar with, could you name it? Only one way to find out. Read three facts about each strategy below and name it. Answers at the bottom of the page. All youbraniacs should have no problem solving the code.

·                      You can almost immediately find the solution to one or two squares.

·                      You must search for all the numbers in order - example 1 - 2 - 3 up to 9.

·                      Some players have nicknamed it the “slicing and slotting” strategy.

·                      Rarely utilized but useful when it can be.

·                      Excludes possibilities rather than includes.

·                      Involves a term that describes a group of (number hidden) that intersect between a Sudoku region and either a column or row.

·                     Involves spotting matching groups of possibilities.

·                     You need pen and paper occasionally.

·                     Stems from the presence of a twin.

First answer is the:          elur3fotuo2

Second answer is the:      elurnoisulcxepuorgbus

Third answer is the:         elurnoisulcxeniwtneddih

If you enjoyed this little quiz - request more - or make up your own to test your friends. It’s all about fun so don’t kick yourself if you are two nanoseconds slower than your best buddy…