Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Gamesver Team and JC Franco
Sudoku is not just another numbers game. It is, arguably, one of the world’s most popular numbers games. It’s played by millions of people, every day, from all walks of life and many different age groups.
With so many people playing Sudoku on a daily basis, there must be some benefits to it; but, what are they? Do you know? Let’s find out!
These are 20 benefits and advantages of playing Sudoku regularly:
1. Sudoku boosts logical thinking.
What most people don’t know is that Sudoku is not a mathematical game. It requires absolutely no arithmetic skills, but it does require logical reasoning. As you learn to arrange the numbers correctly, your logical thinking skills improve.
2. Playing Sudoku improves memory & recall.
Logical thinking and memory go hand-in-hand. As your logical thinking improves, you will start to remember specific strategies and recall what worked in previous Sudoku puzzles. This can be used to remember and recall things in other areas of life. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself thinking about the game you just finished this morning and remember what you did to solve the problem.
3. Playing Sudoku is proven to slow the negative impact of Alzheimer’s.
Medical professionals will tell you that there isn’t really anything that can prevent Alzheimer’s and that’s most probably true. However, they will also tell you that there are certain things that a person can do to slow down the process of memory loss, which is what Alzheimer’s disease is all about.
What slows down Alzheimer’s memory loss? Keeping blood pressure regulated, daily exercise, memory training exercises like puzzles are the key to slowing down the negative impact of Alzheimer’s. Strengthening the brain is an integral part of Alzheimer’s treatment, and Sudoku is a great game to assist in the process.
4. Sudoku helps to develop quick-thinking skills.
Find that you’re not able to “think on your feet” or err before answering questions and organizing your thoughts? Play Sudoku for a few weeks, and all of that could change. Because Sudoku is a game that engages the brain throughout the puzzle-solving process, it helps to teach the brain to think quicker. The more you play it, the quicker your thinking skills will be.
5. Playing Sudoku helps to improve concentration.
If you have ever watched someone playing Sudoku, you will notice that they are entirely absorbed in the process. You won’t be able to solve a Sudoku puzzle if you are distracted by everything going on around you. Because of this, puzzlers who enjoy the game very quickly learn to focus their concentration on what they are doing in that very moment. This skill can be used in other areas of life where concentration and focus are required.
6. Solving a Sudoku puzzle provides a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, completing any difficult puzzle is an accomplishment, but what’s so important about that? Having a sense of accomplishment is the number one element that keeps a person feeling motivated and positive.
If someone feels as if they never accomplish or achieve anything, chances are that they will start to feel depressed and unmotivated. Are you feeling a bit like this yourself? Grab a game or 2 of Sudoku – that may soon change.
7. Regular Sudoku playing minimizes the negative impact of Dementia.
Playing mental games and exercises may not stop Dementia in its tracks when you already have it, but studies have shown that brain exercise throughout life can help to build a healthy reserve of brain cells and connections. This can minimize the risk of Dementia.
That being said, brain exercise is excellent for building reserves, which may compensate for damage that is caused by diseases such as Dementia. Start playing Sudoku early on in life to ensure that your brain is getting the workout it needs.
8. Puzzles like Sudoku help reduce anxiety & stress.
Giving your brain/mind something else to focus on, other than the reason you are stressing/anxious, can help you regain a sense of balance and calm. Not convinced? Try it for yourself the next time you feel stressed or anxious.
9. Sudoku is a great way to develop child problem-solving skills.
Children who struggle to solve problems merely need a bit of logical thinking development. This is where Sudoku shines. To solve a Sudoku puzzle, a child must engage in logic and go through a series of trial and error. It’s a great way to make problem-solving development fun.
10. Playing Sudoku is a healthy form of escapism.
Ever needed an escape, but don’t have the time to book a holiday or go out with your friends for drinks? Sudoku is used by many people as a healthy form of escapism. Leave your worries and stresses for a few minutes (or hours) and put your focus on Sudoku. It will provide a beneficial escape that helps to get your mindset right before having to tackle your usual stresses and struggles again.
11. Playing Sudoku is known to reduce overthinking.
Of course, there are many puzzles and games out there that can help with changing the habit of overthinking, but Sudoku is, arguably, among the most effective and popular for this.
12. Sudoku is a healthy past-time.
Hobbies aren’t too popular anymore, unfortunately. Most people choose to pass the time in rather unhealthy ways, such as drinking, overeating, gossiping, or obsessing over social media platforms. If you want to escape from unhealthy pass-times and do yourself a bit of good while passing the time productively, Sudoku is the answer. It will keep you occupied and will do your mental capacity good at the same time.
13. Playing Sudoku eliminates “ear-worm.”
What if I told you that there was a way to eliminate that annoying song that you just can’t seem to get out of your head? You know that song you keep humming and thinking about against your will? That annoying song stuck in your head is called an “ear-worm,” and you can send it on its way by refocusing your brain on something new that requires full brain engagement.
Not many games require quite as much mental engagement as Sudoku – and if you are looking for a game that gets rid of ear-worm, Sudoku is it!
14. Sudoku promotes a healthy mindset.
Developing a healthy mindset is much like developing a healthy body. Feed and exercise the brain with Sudoku, and you will feel the positivity creep in.
15. Playing Sudoku is fun for the whole family.
Looking for a relaxed game that the entire family can enjoy together? Sudoku is it. You can even host family Sudoku championships, for fun. What’s great about this numbers game is that it is available in a variety of difficulty levels, so everyone can find a level that suits their capability. Sudoku exercise books also make for great family gifts.
16. Sudoku is a very affordable hobby.
17. Playing Sudoku promotes healthy competition.
Since Sudoku became a worldwide phenomenon, there have been annual World Championships held. Competitions are also held around the world in schools, clubs, and even in small Sudoku communities that have popped up. Competitions are usually based on how quickly players can solve the Sudoku puzzle.
18. Sudoku teaches resourcefulness.
Sudoku teaches players to utilize all of their resources. The game gives little away and teaches players to be resourceful in their problem-solving methods.
19. Playing Sudoku provides a healthy distraction.
Ever felt like you need a distraction from the chaos and responsibilities of the day? Some people go outside for a smoke break while others enjoy a stroll and a cup of coffee. What do you do? Many people have found that taking a few moments of “rest” from their current challenging task can help them return to it with new found focus and vigor
If you aren’t a smoker, stroller or coffee drinker, or even if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your desk, Sudoku is the perfect distraction – and it’s healthy for the mind and body too.
20. Sudoku gives some people a sense of belonging.
Some people get addicted to video games and rush home to play online with their virtual buddies. Others like to join social dinner groups or head out for activities with friends. And then there are those who want to connect with other Sudoku aficionados.
Belonging to a group, club, or team, or even participating in competitions with likeminded people can provide a sense of belonging. As humans, we all want and need to belong.
All in all
There are many benefits to playing Sudoku. If you have been looking for a genuine reason to learn how to play and get more involved, the above benefits will hopefully convince you to get started.
This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who enjoy sharing their knowledge about their favorite games with others!
JC Franco
JC Franco serves as a New York-based editor for Gamesver. His interest for board games centers around chess, a pursuit he began in elementary school at the age of 9. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Mercyhurst University, JC brings a blend of business acumen and creative insight to his role. Beyond his editorial endeavors, he is a certified USPTA professional, imparting his knowledge in tennis to enthusiasts across the New York City Metropolitan area.