Consecutive Sudoku Puzzles
Consecutive Sudoku, also known by names like Successor Sudoku, Sequential Sudoku, or 1-away Disallowed Number Place, is a twist on the classic Sudoku puzzle that adds an extra layer of challenge.
Consecutive Sudoku - Easy - 1
Consecutive Sudoku - Medium - 6
Consecutive Sudoku - Medium - 2
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 1
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 8
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 5
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 10
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 9
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 4
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 2
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 3
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 6
Consecutive Sudoku - Hard - 7
Consecutive Sudoku - Easy - 7
Consecutive Sudoku - Medium - 10
Basic Sudoku Rules
- Grid Layout: The puzzle is played on a 9x9 grid divided into nine 3x3 subgrids, also known as boxes or regions.
- Objective: Fill the grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.
- Uniqueness: Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 subgrid.
Additional Consecutive Constraint
- Consecutive Digits: If two cells are consecutive in value (e.g., 3 and 4, or 7 and 8), they must be orthogonally adjacent (horizontally or vertically next to each other).
- Consecutive Markings: Some Consecutive Sudoku puzzles may have special markings (such as bars or circles) between adjacent cells to indicate that the numbers in these cells are consecutive. However, the absence of a marking means the numbers in those cells cannot be consecutive.
Solving Tips
- Look for Markings: Use the markings (if present) to determine possible pairs of consecutive numbers.
- Standard Sudoku Techniques: Employ standard Sudoku strategies such as scanning, cross-hatching, and pencil marking to eliminate possibilities.
- Consecutive Clues: Utilize the consecutive constraint to narrow down possibilities. For example, if a cell has a consecutive mark with a 5, the adjacent marked cell can only be a 4 or a 6.
- Chain Reactions: Often, placing one number will help determine the values of multiple other cells due to the consecutive constraint, creating a chain reaction of placements.
Variations
Some Consecutive Sudoku puzzles might incorporate additional variants or constraints, such as:
- Diagonals: The numbers 1 to 9 must also appear once on each of the main diagonals.
- Non-Consecutive: A variation where no two adjacent cells can contain consecutive numbers, the opposite of Consecutive Sudoku.
Consecutive Sudoku puzzles add an extra layer of complexity and enjoyment to the traditional Sudoku puzzle by introducing constraints based on consecutive numbers. This variation requires solvers to think differently and incorporate additional logic to find the solution, making it a fun and challenging twist for Sudoku enthusiasts.
