.svg)
Get ready for a day full of brain-teasing fun on International Sudoku Day on September 9! This holiday was created to honor the iconic Japanese logic puzzle, which has been enjoyed by people all around the world since its introduction in 1979. Whether you're a sudoku master or just starting out, this is your chance to show off your skills and have some good old-fashioned fun.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sudoku Invention</div><div class='timeline-text'>The modern version of Sudoku was invented by Howard Garns, an American architect and puzzle enthusiast.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sudoku in Japan</div><div class='timeline-text'>The puzzle game was introduced in Japan by Nikoli in the puzzle magazine Monthly Nikolist, where it gained its name and popularity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Computer-Generated Sudoku</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hong Kong judge Wayne Gould developed a computer program that could generate Sudoku puzzles quickly. This facilitated its spread worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sudoku in UK Newspaper</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Times in the UK started publishing Sudoku puzzles daily, significantly increasing its popularity in the western world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Sudoku Championship</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural World Sudoku Championship was held in Italy, demonstrating the game's global appeal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Sudoku Day Initiated</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Puzzle Federation established International Sudoku Day to be celebrated on September 9 (9/9) - reflecting the 9x9 grid of a Sudoku puzzle.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play Sudoku</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The most obvious way to celebrate International Sudoku Day is by playing! There are many versions of Sudoku available online and in app stores.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Sudoku tournament</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a tournament to see who can solve the most puzzles in the shortest amount of time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create your own puzzles</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Design your own puzzles and challenge yourself and others. You can even share them online with other Sudoku fans!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try variations of Sudoku</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are lots of different variations of Sudoku, such as Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Samurai Sudoku. Try them all out and see which one you like best!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Sudoku is challenging</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sudoku is a great way to challenge yourself and keep your brain sharp. With its grids of numbers and complicated rules, Sudoku can be just as complex as any crossword puzzle - but you don't need to worry about guessing words or spellings!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It can be played anywhere</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>You don't need to have a physical board game to play Sudoku - all you need is the rules and a few pieces of paper. This means it's an easy game to travel with, so you can test your skills on the bus or train ride home!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a lot of fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yes, Sudoku can get challenging at times – but that only makes it more enjoyable when you solve the puzzle! It gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that you put your mind to work and outsmarted it in the end. So get those number pencils ready and enjoy some good old fashioned problem solving!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are 6,670,903,752,021,072,936,960 Possible Sudoku Puzzles</h3><p class='facts-content'>That's a staggering number of possibilities – more than 6 sextillion. This astounding count ensures a nearly infinite variety to challenge Sudoku enthusiasts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sudoku Has Its Roots in the Ancient "Magic Square"</h3><p class='facts-content'>A magic square is a grid of numbers that add up to the same sum whether you read them horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This concept was first recorded in China over 2,000 years ago. Sudoku is considered the modern version of the magic square.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Playing Sudoku Regularly Can Improve Memory</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that playing puzzles like Sudoku can enhance memory and concentration. It encourages logical thinking and stimulates the capabilities of pattern recognition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Minimum Clues for a Valid Puzzle: 17</h3><p class='facts-content'>The fewest number of starting clues on a Sudoku puzzle that will lead to a unique solution is 17. This means there is no need for guesswork to resolve a well-designed Sudoku puzzle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Computer Solved the World's Hardest Sudoku</h3><p class='facts-content'>The world's hardest Sudoku, according to the Guinness World Records, was solved by a software program developed at University College Dublin. The puzzle, called AI Escargot, has 49 clues and an exceptionally high difficulty level.</p></div></div>
International Sudoku Day is celebrated on September 9th every year. In 2024 International Sudoku Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Sep 9
Saturday
2024
Sep 9
Monday
2025
Sep 9
Tuesday
2026
Sep 9
Wednesday
2027
Sep 9
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
