Here is our guide to online sudoku.
We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team games and that deepen remote coworker bonds and problem-solving skills.
Online sudoku is a logic-based number puzzle game. Players fill a grid with numbers according to specific rules, aiming to complete each row, column, and subgrid with the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating any digit. Playing sudoku virtually with teams involves collaborating to solve puzzles in a shared digital platform. Participants use communication and problem-solving skills to complete the grids. This activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and mental agility.
Ideal group size:
2 to 4 players per team
Activity duration:
20 to 60 minutes
Cost:
Free
What you’ll need:
- Digital Sudoku puzzle platform or app
- Video conferencing platform for team communication and collaboration
- Pen and paper for note-taking and brainstorming strategies
How to play:
Step 1: Choose a Digital Platform
First, select a reliable online Sudoku platform or app where participants can access and solve Sudoku puzzles collaboratively. The platform should allow for real-time collaboration and offer a variety of puzzle difficulties to accommodate different skill levels.
Step 2: Share the Screen
Screen-sharing capabilities will display the Sudoku puzzle to all participants. It is important to be sure that each individual can see the puzzle clearly. Further, adjust screen-sharing settings as needed to optimize visibility.
Step 3: Assign Roles
Assign roles within the team, such as puzzle solver, note-taker, and verifier. This step ensures effective collaboration and task distribution. Periodically, rotate roles to allow each team member to contribute and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
Step 4: Discuss Strategy
Team members can discuss their approaches to solving the puzzle, including strategies for identifying patterns and filling in numbers. Folks share tips and techniques for solving Sudoku puzzles efficiently, such as scanning rows, columns, and subgrids for missing numbers.
Step 5: Begin Solving
Groups can start solving the Sudoku puzzle collaboratively, with each team member contributing their insights and suggestions. Then, start with easier clues and progress to more challenging ones as the team gains momentum.
Step 6: Communicate Effectively
Throughout the solving process, share observations, ask for clarification, and offer support as needed. Active listening and constructive feedback ensure all team members feel valued and heard.
Step 7: Double-Check Solutions
As the puzzle progresses, double-check solutions and verify that all numbers are correctly placed to avoid errors. Team members can review each other’s work and collaborate on identifying and correcting any mistakes.
Step 8: Complete the Puzzle
Participants work together until they complete the sudoku puzzle successfully. This exercise is a great way to encourage strategic thinking.
Examples of sudoku websites:
- Sudoku.com: Offers a sudoku app and website with puzzles at several difficulty levels
- Web Sudoku: Provides a web sudoku game and app featuring a box variation
- UsDoku: A multiplayer version of the game allows players to solve a puzzle together while competing head-to-head
- Sudoku Zenkai: A cross-platform program that lets you solve puzzles with friends
- Live Sudoku: A site that lets users compete against another player live
Tips:
- Start with the Easy Ones: Begin by filling in numbers that are obvious or have limited placement options, such as single numbers in rows, columns, or subgrids.
- Use the Process of Elimination: Scan each row, column, and subgrid to identify where numbers cannot go, narrowing down the possibilities for each cell.
- Look for Hidden Singles: Based on the numbers already placed in the row, column, and subgrid, search for cells in which only one number is possible.
- Utilize Cross-Hatching: Focus on rows, columns, and subgrids with fewer numbers filled in, making it easier to identify missing numbers.
- Apply the Naked Pair Technique: Identify pairs of numbers that can only go in two cells within a row, column, or subgrid. Eliminate those numbers from other cells in the same unit.
- Keep Track of Candidates: Use pencil marks or digital note-taking to keep track of possible numbers for each cell, making it easier to spot patterns and make deductions.
- Look for X-Wings and Swordfish: Learn advanced solving techniques like X-Wings and Swordfish. These processes involve identifying patterns of candidate numbers that lead to eliminations across multiple units.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Regularly solving sudoku puzzles helps you become familiar with solving techniques and improve your speed and accuracy over time.
- Take Breaks: If you get stuck or frustrated, then take a short break and come back to the puzzle with fresh eyes, often leading to new insights and solutions.
- Enjoy the Process: Remember to enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of solving sudoku puzzles, focusing on the journey rather than just the end result.
Final Thoughts
Playing online Sudoku with teams fosters collaboration, communication, and camaraderie. Through shared challenges and triumphs, teams can strengthen their bonds, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and enjoy the satisfaction of working toward a common goal. Tackling puzzles together encourages collaboration, inspiration in teamwork, and success.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual team building activities.
