Samurai Sudoku Puzzles

About Samurai Sudoku

Samurai Sudoku is a harder version of regular Sudoku. It has five 9x9 Sudoku grids that overlap and are arranged in a shape like a samurai. The middle grid connects to four outer grids, sharing one 3x3 section with each of them. The goal is to solve all five grids at the same time, following the usual Sudoku rules.

Rules / How to Play

• Unique Numbers: Each row, column, and 3x3 subgrid in every 9x9 grid must contain the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once.
• Overlapping Regions: The shared 3x3 sub-grids between the central grid and each outer grid must also follow the rules of Sudoku. Numbers placed in these overlapping regions affect both the central and respective outer grids.

Solving Tips and Techniques:

• Start with the Overlapping Regions: Focus on the shared 3x3 subgrids first. Filling these regions helps establish constraints for both the central and outer grids.
• Single Candidate: If a cell in a row, column, or 3x3 subgrid has only one possible digit remaining, place that digit in the cell.
• Hidden Single: If a digit must appear in a particular row, column, or 3x3 subgrid, and there is only one possible cell for that digit within that region, place the digit in that cell.
• Naked Single: If a cell has only one possible digit remaining based on the constraints of its row, column, and 3x3 subgrid, place that digit in the cell.
• Use Pencil Marks: Lightly pencil in possible candidates for each cell to help track possibilities and eliminate incorrect options.

Samurai Sudoku puzzles provide a unique twist on the classic Sudoku experience, requiring logical reasoning and the ability to manage multiple grids simultaneously. By combining these techniques and carefully analyzing the grid, you can successfully solve even the most challenging Samurai Sudoku puzzles.