If you've never played Sudoku before...do. If you're a puzzles person, this is the best number puzzle I know. Some boards make me feel clever, other boards make me feel like an idiot, and yet more prove me completely inept.

What kinds of boards will these be for you?

HOW TO PLAY:

• Like this post to follow it
• On Mondays throughout August, you will receive a Sudoku board, upscaling in difficulty every week.
• Complete your puzzle and email it to Community@progress.com
• Correct puzzles are worth:
  • Week one, 3 points
  • Week two, 5 points
  • Week three, 7 points
  • Week four, 10 points.

NO AI! That's cheating! Honor system only but, let's be real, is a Community game really worth your mortal soul?

SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS:

• The Grid: A standard board has 81 total squares split into nine smaller 3x3 blocks.
• No Repeats: Each number from 1 to 9 can only show up once in each horizontal row, vertical column, and 3x3 box.
• Givens: Puzzles start with some numbers already placed for you. More pre-filled numbers mean an easier puzzle.
• Basic Strategy to Solve
  • Scan Rows and Columns: Look for rows or columns that are missing only one or two numbers. Check what numbers are already in that line or 3x3 box to find the missing choice.
  • Cross-Hatching: Pick a number (like the number 5) and trace rows and columns where it already exists to see where it can fit in an empty 3x3 block.
  • Look for Singles: If a box or line has 8 out of 9 numbers filled in, the last empty spot must be the final missing number.

YouTube video on how to play Sudoku.

Week one's puzzle is in the Comments. You'll have a picture version and an attached Excel document, if you prefer.

GOOD LUCK!