Take the Sudoku Challenge

I realize I'm probably the last person to start playing Sudoku, except for you, of course. I'm doing it because, unlike talking to my editor, Sudoku keeps my brain active.

According to Wikipedia, Sudoku (also known as Su Doku) is a logic based placement puzzle. I think it's a killer.

Here's how it works. You have 9 boxes, each with 9 squares. Some boxes already have a number between 1 and 9. The goal is to enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. The catch is that every row has to have one of each digit. It gets worse. So must every column and every 3-by-3 square.

I get a fresh Sudoku each morning in the L.A. Times. When that's not enough, I head online for puzzles I can work right on screen. My favorite is WebSudoku because it has four levels of play, a "How am I doing" button (usually not well), and clean, easy to see interface. If you prefer printing the puzzle, try the Sudokulist.

There are sites with excellent tutorials and lessons. And if you want some help solving a puzzle (or just want to cheat), you can do it at Guy's Online Solver or the Su Doku solver page.

But I'm not alone in my obsession. Our very own Laura Blackwell has also fallen victim; read her September Download This for a review of a $15 Sukodu game that's got a free trial version.