Topidoku

About Topidoku

Topidoku takes the rules of sudoku and swaps the digits for letters. Each puzzle is built around a single word: a 4x4 grid uses a four-letter word, and the larger grids use words of five, six and seven letters. Some letters are given as clues, and you fill the rest so that no letter repeats in any row or column; the 4x4 grid is also split into 2x2 boxes, as in a mini sudoku. When the grid is complete the game shows the hidden word and its dictionary definition.

The Daily Challenge page carries the day's date and says that everyone plays the same puzzle, with the fastest time winning. Results go on a leaderboard with daily, weekly and all-time charts and country flags. You need to sign in or create an account to play it.

Outside the daily there is Regular Play, which builds a new puzzle each time from a difficulty and a topic you pick: General, Arts, Films, Science, Sport, Technology, Nature, Food, Travel or History. The 4x4 Very Easy grids are free without signing up; the 5x5, 6x6 and 7x7 sizes, leaderboard access and stats come with a Pro subscription. The game is made by WebApps Ventures Limited, a UK company.

The board has the tools sudoku players expect: notes for pencil marks, undo, a Check button that marks letters right or wrong, and hints that each reveal one letter at a cost to your score. Topidoku suits sudoku players who want a short grid with a word at the end, and beginners who find a 4x4 grid an easy way in.

How to play Topidoku

1. Open topidoku.com and sign in, then open Play and choose the Daily Challenge; or start a free 4x4 practice grid without an account.
2. Read the letters shown above the grid: these are the only letters you will place.
3. Tap an empty cell and type a letter or press it on the on-screen keyboard, so that no letter repeats in its row or column (or its box on the 4x4 grid).
4. Use Notes for pencil marks, Check to see right and wrong letters, and Hint only when stuck, as each hint lowers your score.
5. Fill every cell without conflicts to finish, see the hidden word and its meaning, and get your time and score on the leaderboard.

Screenshots

Tips

• Start with the rows, columns and boxes that already have the most clue letters.
• In a 4x4 grid a row with three letters given has only one possible fourth; fill those first.
• Pencil in candidates with Notes before committing, as in classic sudoku.
• Checking is free, so check often instead of spending hints, which cost points.
• Learn the larger grids on Regular Play before racing the clock on the Daily Challenge.

Questions