Monday, March 19, 2007

Sudoku, Schmudoku

On the inane side of life, let me take a few minutes to RANT about my hatred of Sudoku puzzles, which my daughters and mother-in-law love. Some may say my disgust arises from my total inability to complete any Sudoku puzzles that aren't labelled VERY EASY (I think the microscopic letters under that say: If you can't do this, you're a moron.) But surely my lack of success has nothing to do with my aversion to these waste-of-time, good-for-nothing little engimas. The concrete reasons are:

1. They don't MEAN anything! Crossword puzzles involve verbal brain power, and often have longer answers that are puns or plays-on-words. Word search puzzles also have a theme or meaning. I know, I know, Sudoku puzzles challenge your numerical-logical skills. Whatever.
2. Umm...I can't think of any other reasons. I just despise them.

Any comments? Any defense from the Sudoku Savants?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Haha....you crack me up! I am not going to defend them. While I have done some, online and on paper, they are far from my favorite type of puzzle. I am with you on the "VERY EASY" bench!

Anonymous said...

Don't they say that mental puzzles (Sudoku included) help ward off Alzheimer's? If that is the case, let's encourage our family members to do as many Sudoku puzzles as possible!

Alice C. said...

In our family my mother-in-law does Sudoku and Cryptograms, and my father-in-law does the crossword puzzle every day. They will make good test cases for your Alzheimer's theory. Of course, let me be clear: I'm not saying that NOBODY should do Sudoku; I'm merely expressing my own dislike of it. I'd rather stay mentally sharp with other kinds of puzzles. (Although I confess I did work on a Sudoku today--perhaps if my skill increases, my revulsion will decrease, sort of like aversion therapy in reverse.)

Alan Knox said...

ok... I confess... I like Sudoku. There, are you happy now?

-Alan

Hence said...

It's strange -- I kind of like them, though normally I loathe anything with numbers (including recipes!). I prefer, though, worded logic puzzles.

Alice C. said...

Alan: You've obviously joined the dark side long ago.

Isabel: Perhaps I should give the nasty little things another shot...

Alan Knox said...

Gee thanks... I like Sudoku because I've crossed over to the dark side. But, since Isabel likes Sudoku, you'll give them a second chance. I guess I'm just a man... with no feelings... right Eric?

-Alan

Alice C. said...

Alan: No, no, no, you just don't get it. Women always do things in groups. So if Isabel likes those frustrating things, then my female mind thinks (or is it "feels") "well, maybe I can do them, too." The fact that you like them doesn't sway me, because we all know you are a genius anyway. And you're a man. :)

Hence said...

Group Sudokus. Now there's a concept.

Anonymous said...

I was so scared when I saw this title b/c I just mailed Caroline a Sudoku book!!! Then I saw that she loves them, so I was relieved. We love you guys...
~ Beth