Let's solve the Sudoku medium level game quickly
After learning the two new techniques for Sudoku medium level solutions, you may not do thorough row column scan for solving this Sudoku level 2 game 5.
This is the fifth game play at Sudoku medium level. By now we have developed a rhythm and strategy of cell solving. We try for quick scan, but usually don't try too hard for checking all scan possibilities comprehensively. More often than not, the DSA technique produces quick results. That's what our experience says.
So we have formed a mixed strategy of first scan, not to the deepest level, then DSA test in the most favorable zones. Usually we never go for writing 3 digit DSAs in a cell. Our target usually is to form a two or three digit cycle and reap its benefits.
To know what is a cycle or DSA you may refer to our first and second game play sessions at level 2. From this game on, we will straightway go for game play without any explanation on Sudoku in general.
Quick solution to the Sudoku medium level game 5
R1C1 6, scan R2, R3, C3 -- R4C8 6, scan R5, R6, C9 -- R7C6 6, scan C4, C5 -- R9C2 6, scan R7, R8, C1, C3 6 over -- R6C6 8, scan R4, R5 -- R5C5 4, scan C4 -- R4C4 2 -- R2C9 4, scan R1, R3, C8 -- R6C7 4, scan C8, C9.
Then again, R8C5 9, DSA [8,9] in C5 -- R2C5 8 -- R9C4 7, scan R7 -- R7C4 5 -- R3C4 9 -- Cycle (1,5) formed in R8 -- R8C2 7, cycle (1,5) in R8 -- R3C2 2, scan C3 -- R5C9 3, scan C8, R4.
Observe another cycle (3,5,7) formed in C3. We write minimum amount DSAs in Cells, especially the useful ones such as cycles and two digit DSAs.
R5C2 1, DSA [1,2,9] in R5 -- R5C8 9, DSA [2,9] in R5 -- R5C1 2 -- R8C1 5 DSA cancel by C1 -- R8C7 1 -- R6C8 5, DSA [5,3,9] in R6 -- R4C9 1 -- R6C3 3, DSA [3,9] in R6 -- R6C1 9.
Then further on, R2C8 7, DSA cancel -- R2C3 5, DSA cancel -- R9C1 8, DSA [8,3] in C1 -- R7C1 3 -- R7C2 4, DSA [5,4] in C2 -- R4C2 5 -- R4C3 4 -- R7C3 9, DSA [1,9] in C3 -- R9C3 1.
Let us produce the results achieved till now.
Proceeding further, R7C7 2, DSA [8,2] in R7 -- R7C8 8 -- R1C8 2, scan C7, C9, R3 -- R3C8 1, scan C7, C9 -- R1C6 1, scan R3 -- R3C6 7 -- R3C3 3, DSA cancel -- R1C3 7 -- R3C7 5, DSA [5,8] in R3.
And the last steps, R3C9 8 -- R1C9 9, DSA [3,9] in R1 -- R1C7 3 -- R9C7 9 -- R9C9 5. End. Game solved.
A special note for you
We haven't tried to optimize. So we feel that this more complex game is solvable by following an easier path.
You should try to reach one of the simpler solutions.
Lastly, we leave a game for you to solve.
A game for you to solve
We leave you here with a new game for you to solve. In our next session we will present its solution and another new game.
Enjoy.
Other Sudoku medium games at Sudoku level 2 hardness
Sudoku 2nd level game play 5
First level and higher level Sudoku games
You will get links to all the 1st level game solutions at Sudoku level 1.
Links to higher level Sudoku games are available at the main Sudoku page.
It is recommended that without jumping over any of the hardness levels, one should progress through solving higher level Sudoku games strictly step by one step up. For example, you shouldn't play a 4th level Sudoku game without becoming comfortable in solving 3rd level games.