The Great History of Sudoku

Sudoku is one of the most popular types of logic puzzles in the world. However, it is not something that is new. The history of sudoku is still evolving right now, and the game is actually one that was inspired by classic means of thinking.

The reason as to why sudoku was formed was practically the same as that of other forms of logic puzzles over history. The game is one that is used for helping to challenge the mind, especially since modern technology is not completely able to do that. They also help with critical thinking in that they work to test one's ability to tell relationships between numbers in a set.

The development of sudoku began in the 1970s. It was first developed by former architect and freelance puzzle designer Howard Garns. His concept came from the Latin Square, which was designed by Euler in ancient times. He used some alterations in that the game is now able to work in the third dimension. He also figured that in order to get the puzzle to be completed a few numbers would be filled in. The main catch would be that all nine numbers can only be used once in a row, column or 3x3 box.

In the late 1970s the game began to appear in magazines in the United States, but it became especially popular in Japan. The term sudoku was created, which is translated into “the digits must remain single.” A person known as Nikoli in Japan caught interest in the game and introduced it in Japan during this time.

In 1989 a computer version of sudoku came for users of the Loadstar Publishing program. The Apple Macintosh would use this game in the near future. However, the Rubik's cube, a popular toy of the 1980s, was a major factor in the development of sudoku in that decade. That's because some characteristics of sudoku are similar to the patterns of reasoning used in the Rubik's cube.

In 1997 Hong Kong judge Wayne Gould created his own computerized version of sudoku, and eventually more newspapers around Asia began to carry daily sudoku puzzles, making this even more popular among logic puzzles.

In 2005 sudoku came to its top level of popularity, as more newspapers and publications in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia began to use sudoku puzzles. Many major papers, including USA Today, and even smaller newspapers like the Evansville Courier-Press have been using sudoku now, and print publications with sudoku games have become popular in game sections of bookstores. More puzzle magazines are devoted special productions to the game as well.

The history of sudoku is still evolving, and the development of sudoku will definitely continue as it becomes more popular. This is indeed one of the hottest logic puzzles in the world and has become an international sensation that is here to stay.

Print Extras in today's MetroWest Daily News

Every day, The MetroWest Daily News prints items you will not find at www.metrowestdailynews.com . In today's print edition, read quick reviews of 15 recently released movies ("Dark Shadows" got a B); see if you can solve the Sudoku on B5; find legal notices on C6; and use your Daily Deal coupon on A3 for a free medium Slurpee at 7-Eleven.            

Your browser does not support iframes.

New Feature! Sudoku below Horoscopes and Ledge, play online or print it out!

Lewis leads by two after back-nine birdie spree

Stacy Lewis will probably chat with Brittany Lincicome, who might squeeze in some Sudoku during pauses in the action.

Welcome to the new TGI Weekender edition!

Today is the premiere edition of our new Friday/Saturday Weekender edition, combining the best of both publications in one convenient edition that encompasses local News, Sports, Happy Camper, ‘Ohana page, Letters to the Editor, Real Estate, Island Album, daily weather, tide forecasts and more.

What to do this summer in the Philippines? Here are 101 choices

There is absolutely no better time than now to wonder and wander around the Philippines. Trust me – I’m a veteran of the travel and tourism industry. Related posts: 7,000 summer jobs for poor kids & out of school youth Philippines featured in History Channel’s ‘Hidden Cities’ UK travel website says Philippines as Asia’s undiscovered jewel