My first Sudoku

Have you ever Sudoku?

The name Sudoku may sound like the hideous Sadako from the hit Japanese horror movie – The Ring. But Sudoku can be more terrifying than the female ghost who crawl out from the TV. It sucks up your brain cell and time.

Like many of you, I was hooked to Sudoku Puzzles.

My first encounter with Sudoku was way back to year 2000. A good friend of mine from Japan sends me a strange puzzle. In a box of 9 X 9 grids, there were few numbers listed randomly.

"Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9" That's all she said.

“It's fun. It's challenging. It's addictive!” My friend warned me!

She told me that the puzzle is called Sudoku. No Sudoku Tips were offer to me. I was totally overwhelmed, I was addicted. Here’s the Sudoku Puzzle she sends me…..

To many Sudoku Fans, it is quite an easy puzzle; but at that time, it was a real challenge for a newbie like me. I am not ashamed to admit now that I did try to beg her for answer. She refused :)

It becomes a personal challenge that I must conquer this puzzle.

Over the next few days, I was totally stuck with the puzzle trying to solve the mystery, juggle in between my busy work schedule. It was a real frustrated experience, I admit :(

I was helpless without any guide or help…but I was excited. There were a few moments I feel like giving up, but I came back eventually.

I finally have it solved on the 4th day, after much trial and error. :)

When I look back now, it was a great experience. It is the satisfaction of achievement and the great experience of going through the lengthy rational thinking process that make me stays on with Sudoku.

Being a Sudoku Enthusiast for almost 5 years and the Author of The Sudoku Guide now, I have no regrets spending those times solving difficult puzzles. Over the years, playing Sudoku has helped me improve my thinking process, not just for solving puzzles, but in many aspects of work.

If you have not Sudoku yet, I encourage you to do so.

Before I sign off, last word of warning:-

Sudoku is exciting, it is fun, and it is addictive!

Don’t blame me for not warning you! :)

All the best, and have fun.