AI Summary
This guide helps players navigate the difficulty settings (Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, Evil). It introduces the concept of the "Flow Channel"—the sweet spot between boredom (too easy) and anxiety (too hard). It recommends that players spend 70% of their time in their "Challenge Zone" (where they succeed 80% of the time) and 30% of their time in the "Stretch Zone" (where they might fail). It warns against jumping to "Evil" too soon, which can lead to discouragement.
AI Highlights
- The Flow State: Challenge must match skill. Too easy = boring. Too hard = frustrating.
- The 70/30 Rule: Play 70% at your comfort level to build speed; 30% above it to build skill.
- Signs You Are Ready to Move Up: If you are solving "Medium" puzzles in under 5 minutes with zero notes, it's time for "Hard."
- Don't Ego Lift: Playing "Evil" and guessing helps no one. Stick to the level where you can use logic.
Introduction
Goldilocks would make a great Sudoku player. She knows that "Just Right" matters. If you pick a puzzle that is too easy, you learn nothing. If you pick one that is too hard, you quit. Finding your "Just Right" difficulty is key to a sustainable daily practice.
Understanding the Levels
- Easy: Solvable with "Scanning" only. Good for: Speed drills and confidence.
- Medium: Requires "notes" and simple Naked Singles. Good for: Relaxed morning play.
- Hard: Requires "Naked/Hidden Pairs." Good for: Brain training.
- Expert/Evil: Requires "X-Wings" and chains. Good for: Deep logic study.
When to Level Up
Are you bored? Are you solving on autopilot? That is the signal. Push yourself to the next tier. The first few days will be slow, but your brain adaptation will be rapid.
Summary
Respect the progression. Earn your way to the harder levels, and you will enjoy the journey far more than if you skip ahead. The right puzzle is the one that makes you sweat, but lets you win.