I Dare You to Try

I am sure that by this time, all of you have at least tried to solve Sudoku. Several months ago, I came across the puzzle in my local newspaper. It is a simple puzzle made up of a 9 by 9 matrix of squares that is then subdivided into nine 3 x 3 squares. The object is to place the digits 1 through 9 into the 81 squares in such a way that no digit appears more than once in any row or column or 3 x 3 square.

Since I spent my career teaching mathematics, I have always been intrigued by number puzzles. To be sure there is nothing mathematical about the puzzle except the use of numerical digits. It is strictly a problem in logic. At first I ignored the puzzle, but I eventually succumbed to its lure. The puzzle was not as easy as it looked. I began playing it every day. Before long I had worked out a system to approach the game systematically. Then I found a web site called Web Sudoku where I could play the game on the computer. I began perfecting my technique and gradually moved up from easy to medium puzzles, then hard ones, and eventually I began solving the evil category.

As I began playing more and more often, the game became one of beating my time, since I was now able solve any game that came up. I have spent hours and hours playing this stupid game. What a waste of time!

And then it hit me. There was a similar game played with a cube that involved 3 x 3 x 3 smaller cubes each with a different color on its face. The object was to move the little cubes around so that each of the 6 faces became a solid color. After working the puzzle for several months, I finally solved it. Again my goal became one of improving my speed. This was accomplished by polishing my technique. I spent many hours on this stupid cube, accomplishing nothing but giving my thumb a bad case of arthritis that still bothers me to this day. The condition is known as Rubik's thumb. Of course, you have guessed by now that I am talking about Rubik's cube. I finally swore off the cube and I have been clean for about 20 years.

Before I end up with Sudoku on the brain, I am going to swear off Sudoku for the next week. I don't know if I can last that long or not, but I am going to try. This is a particularly vicious puzzle for people like me. You see, I am beset with the Obsessive-Compulsive disorder of counting. I have been a counter since I was a child. Now I am beginning to recite groups of digits in my head. This is unacceptable. Is there a 12-step program for Sudoku addicts? Oh no, that wouldn't work, since I would have to count the steps! I think I'll just give it a rest. See you next week. I'll let you know if I can stay clean for a week.