Sudoku Frequently Asked Questions

We receive a lot of questions about our Sudoku puzzles. This page is here to help those that may need some quick information. As with any FAQ, if we are asked any question more than a couple times, it will appear on this page with an answer.

What is Sudoku?

Sudoku is like a crossword puzzle without words. It was developed as a language-neutral alternative to crossword puzzles. For more information (and the rules), visit this Wikipedia article.

How do you spell "Sudoku?"

Since Sudoku is a cognate (word imported directly from another language) from a Japanese phrase, it is simply spelled phonetically (spelled how it sounds). The proper spelling (in Japanese) can be found in the afore mentioned Wikipedia article. Contrary to some publications, Sudoku does not have any spaces between the syllables. In Japanese, the syllables don't have any word-like meaning on their own.

What does "determinate puzzle" mean?

Determinate is a word from mathematics. It basically means that there is one and only one valid solution to a problem. For instance, assuming base-ten, integral numbers, the solution to 2 + 2 is always 4. (Unless you ask someone with knowledge of advanced mathematics who can disprove this.)

Okay, so why is it important that Sudoku puzzles are determinate?

This is the primary reason why Sudoku is amazingly popular, and it also means that you don't need a solution to find out if you are right. You either solve the puzzle or you don't--there's no middle ground. This also means that you can find any Sudoku solving program and it will always find the right solution to any puzzle. For instance, the first link on a Google search I did for the phrase Sudoku solver turned up a web site that can solve any Sudoku puzzle right in your web browser.

If you have any further questions not addressed by this FAQ, feel free to email online@rapidcityjournal.com for additional information.