KenKen - puzzle game Train your memory and logical thinking

KenKen, or wisdom in the square - the name is a new kind of logic games from Japan. Layfhaker figured out how to play KenKen, and tells what the Japanese puzzle Sudoku better than usual.

Where did KenKen

These new puzzles can be called a stretch: the mathematics teacher Tetsuya Miyamoto from Yokohama formulated the principle of the game in KenKen more in 2004. Many progressive ideas created in Japan, and there remain. But KenKen successfully spread to the West: it is played not only in Korea, Thailand and China, but also in Western Europe and America. New Japanese puzzle published in the British edition of The Times and the American New York Times.

For more than a decade it has become a puzzle of a Japanese teacher in the initiative massive game that is played all over the world. Thousands of teachers use KenKen in training in this discipline hosts international tournaments.

How to play the KenKen

KenKen puzzle is a square-grid with unfilled blocks. In the upper left corner of each block is located and the number of arithmetic sign. It is necessary to fill in the grid so that the rows and columns of numbers are not repeated, and the number inside block as a result of said arithmetic operation must respond to the left of mark. Number of different numbers equal to the number of rows or columns. This means that the square of 4 × 4 will be located a number from 1 to 4.

Even the most basic rules become very complex if to explain them without giving examples. Therefore, we will try to tell you step by step how to solve KenKen. Let's look at a simple square of 4 × 4.

First fill the block with a single arithmetic sign digit without writing it into the unit.

Consider the block under this unit. Mark "2 ÷» says that the numbers in this by dividing the unit will number 2. In the interval from 1 to 4 such combinations may be two 4 ÷ 2 = 2 and 1 = 2 ÷ 2. The second option does not suit us, because the one in this column, we've used. Location numbers in this block is still unknown to us, but let us remember that there must be 2 and 4. By process of elimination we obtain 3 in the first line (1, 2 and 4 in this column already occupied).

Consider block "16 ×». What three numbers when multiplied by 16, will give? Option one: 4 × 4 × 1 = 16. We remember that the numbers in the rows and columns are not repeated, however quartet inscribe on the sides of the unit and the middle unit. Introduced in the third row quartet eliminates itself in the block "2 ÷», which we discussed earlier. Fill in the numbers and.

Consider two blocks "1 -". The fact that the lower set of three - the only number that is not used in the third line. Based on the conditions of block "1 -" can coexist with the triple or quadruple deuce (3 - 2 = 1 or 4 - 1 = 3). Four on the second line is already there, so we put 2. The block on the first line, get up before the same choice, but as a deuce in this column we have entered, set 4.

We look at the block "6 ×». In the second write line 3, since other numbers already used therein. When filling unit we will only fit one combination numbers 1 × 2 × 3 = 6. The unit of the first column already have numbers one location option.

Fill in the numbers of the last block of the "6 +". You can do it, do not resort to computations, and simply type in the columns of the missing digits. The puzzle is solved.

Special love for Japanese puzzles and crossword shows columnist-editor of New York Times Will Shorts. He was not only an avid gambler and in KenKen, but also an active promoter of the game. For those who are only confused our explanations, we offer him a video explaining the simplest solutions KenKen 3 × 3.

examples KenKen

Here are some examples of different complexity KenKen for self-determination.

Why you should pay attention KenKen

The main advantage of this puzzle - is that it is interesting to solve. If you are carried away by crosswords and you love to throw the intellectual challenge yourself, KenKen you definitely like it.

The principle of filling the grid numbers used in a much more popular Sudoku. But KenKen bypasses famous brother on a number of characteristics. Firstly, the brain when solving KenKen work more actively. The fact is that here the player must not only exclude unsuitable options, but also to make calculations and keep a set of alternative solutions in the head. If the average level of difficulty Sudoku is easy to give in solving the pattern, then KenKen leaves no other option but to think and imagine.

Puzzles That Make You Smarter - such inscription emblazoned on the covers of books with puzzles KenKen-purpose. Teachers of mathematics in many countries noted the positive effect of these logical brainteasers. Sometimes the puzzle can not only improve your overall arithmetic and logic skills in the classroom, but also to identify individual pupils have hidden potential. It is also proved that intellectual activity helps prevent senile dementia. KenKen is perfect for this: it attracts both children and adults.

And finally: in KenKen just great to compete. The simplest puzzles are easy, even for children, over some can break the head and adults. A new tasks and motivate the other, forcing to beat their own and other people's records.

If you are interested in these Japanese puzzles, you can find them online or even download a special application on the smartphone. But if you believe that to solve them in electronic form terribly uncomfortable, then pay attention to the book versions of "KenKen. The Japanese system of brain training"By the publishing house" Eksmo ". In four editions, you can find hundreds of puzzles of varying difficulty, and special fields to help fix the time stamp records.