Lately, Michelle and I have grown addicted to a puzzle game called Su Do Ku. I usually get the version from the New Zealand Herald, which updates much earlier because, well, it’s tomorrow there before it’s tomorrow here.
The puzzle consists of 9 boxes which contain 9 smaller boxes. Inside each box, a number must be placed. Now, each number, 1 through 9, can appear in each of the 9 boxes only once, and it can appear in each row and column only once. You begin the puzzle with only a handful of boxes filled in.
Now, it may not sound all that difficult, but it is a brain excercise. After doing it for a few weeks, I prefer it to any crossword puzzle or word puzzle. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be good at math. The use of arabic numerals is only out of the convenience of using a set of 9 symbols that are already universally recognizable. The game requires logic, pattern recognition and problem solving skills. Whereas a crossword puzzle (especially the New York Times’) requires a vast knowledge of words and cancelled sitcom character names.
The Su Do Ku puzzles also get more difficult as each week progresses, as they give you fewer numbers to begin the puzzle with.
While Su Do Ku hasn’t found it’s way into mainstream America quite yet, it is a hit overseas in the Pacific Rim area. I think I heard that the LA Times just started printing it. I would strongly encourage anyone who even remotely likes puzzles to try one of these. I have always liked crossword puzzles. I’ve also always sucked at them. The Su Do Ku just seems to make sense to me.
Hey,
They started putting the Su Do Ku puzzels into the Washington Times (or at least the Washington Express which is a free abreviated version of the times they give to us Subway riders). I love this game and it is something I look forward to. I have showed it to a number of my friends and now they go out of their way to obtain copies of the Express. Typically the puzzels on Monday are easier than those on Fridays (Which I find myself having difficulty solving).
Have fun playing.
Doug
Good news! It has made the trip to the Midwest and we have a new puzzle each day.
This puzzle has made its way into the great state of Montana. It truly is a one-of-a-kind puzzle that makes good use of your recognition skills. I like it better than any other puzzle I’ve tried so far.
Su-Do-Ku what can I say I LOVE IT!!!!! We have finally got it here in COLUMBUS,OH, The Dispatch has 2 puzzles in the Sunday edition, not enough 4 me so I went out and got a
Su-Do-Ku puzzle book for the other days.. I also recently found an electronic handheld with over 100,000 puzzles at different skill levels..Hope I find one under the tree on Christmas Day…