Question: Does 'Sudoku', really, really deliver Brain Training?

Answer: Yes.

Since it first appeared in the UK (in The Times newspaper in 2004) its popularity has grown considerably. This is partly due to the fact that Sudoku is solved simply by logic; there is no maths required.

The intense popularity of Sudoku may be due to the fact that it requires just enough (but not too much) brain work to give a great buzz of satisfaction when the puzzle is complete. The puzzle does not take up too much time and doesn't draw on special knowledge (like quizzes).

For us, here at Irontree, the benefits of Sudoku puzzles are enormous: the exercise which the brain gets from logic puzzles can help to stop memory decline, and (just as important) the popularity of Sudoku puzzles makes them a kind of "community thing". While crossword solvers are generally loners - sharing with others only to ask about clues, for example. Sudoku lovers tend to be more like gardeners - happily, and gregariously, sharing alternative techniques and recommending different puzzles, or sources of puzzles.

So, next time you see one of those nine by nine grids in a newspaper (or one of Irontree's very own PocketMem versions) give it a go. Your brain might just thank you!

There is an extensive source of Sudoku hints, tips and puzzles on the internet:

sudoku.org.uk
Solving Sudoku - pdf [sudoku.org]