Ten important steps to becoming a Sudoku Champion.

It is not widely known that the Emperor Nero (AD 15 -AD 68) actually played Sudoku while Rome burned. The idea that he fiddled comes from a rumor spread by a secret society of musicians who were marketing a new line of string instruments in the 6 th century. (This is rumored to be the next subject of an exciting new thriller from Dan Brown, author of the Da Vinci Code and other subversive publications.)

Sudoku has its roots in a game called Latin Squares. (Hint: Latin and Rome are synonymous) It had a grid of 81 squares in which no row or column could contain the same number twice. (Note: After exhaustive research, historians have only recently established that Latin Squares evolved from the more primitive game of tic tac toe as can be seen in photo no. 2.)

In 1984 a Japanese publisher saw the Latin Squares puzzle in America and imported it to his home country. It was called "Sunji Wa Dokushin Ni Kagiru." Because this phrase was impossible to pronounce unless one had a speech impediment the publisher thankfully abbreviated it to "Sudoku" - meaning "solitary number." Whew. Two years later the 81 square grid was further divided into nine 3 X 3 blocks. As with the rows and columns, no block could contain the same number twice. There can also be no more than 30 clues given to begin solving the puzzle. Sudoku was suddenly much more difficult and, as a consequence, more appealing.

A retired Kiwi (i.e. New Zealander) judge, Wayne Gould, saw the puzzle in a bookstore in Tokyo in 1997 and developed a computer program to generate puzzles of different levels of difficulty. The London Times agreed to publish the game in return for a small one-line advertisement promoting Gould's computer software. Gould is now a millionaire.

Okay, so this is fascinating stuff, but what are the key elements to solving a Sudoku puzzle? Remember, you got it here from YourHub.com first.

1: One must have the essential tools including an actual puzzle, a YourHub.com pen or pencil, and a YourHub.com cap. (See photograph No. 1) A supply of strong coffee is an added tool.

2: Although arithmetic is not used, it is helpful to be able to count to nine.

3: Know the rules. There is only one rule. Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 X 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. Memorize this rule.

4: Make sure you know where to find the solution. (Tip: In the week day Rocky Mountain News, it is on the inside back page of the Spotlight section - to the right of the Doonesbury cartoon.)

5: Sudoku is a test of logic and reasoning ability. Guessing is not an option. Cheating is also frowned on. Repetitive cheating lowers your self esteem.

6: Start with the "beginner" or "easy" puzzles. Once you reach the "diabolical" level you will be addicted.

7: Give up golf. You don't have time for other wasteful pursuits.

8: While driving on the highway, especially in rush hour traffic, be sure to answer your cell phone only after putting your Sudoku puzzle down. Do not - I repeat - DO NOT attempt to solve a Sudoku puzzle while driving and talking on the phone at the same time.

9: Should family and friends arrange an intervention to try and stop your non-addictive Sudoku habit, play along and agree to attend group counseling sessions. This is a great way to meet other Sudoku enthusiasts.

10: Last but not least; remember this is only a game. Unlike youth baseball or soccer it is not an adult contact sport and violence is a no-no in Sudoku. Occasional periods of frustration and anger will be experienced. Breathe deeply, take a shower, and relax. Only when all other measures fail, resort to medication. (Bonus tip: do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. A number of good electrolyte sports drinks are available from your local supermarket or sports outlet.)

This is the second in an exciting new series of Self-Help Blogs available exclusively on YourHub.com. The first, titled "Self help for better Blogging," was such a resounding success it became obvious there is a great need in the Blog community for more. Stay tuned for the next in the on-going Self-Help Series addressing other vital issues for today's Bloggers, including "Arranging Inter-city Cultural Blogger Exchanges."

The author is an experienced Sudoku puzzle addict after taking up the game, coincidentally, on the 1,941st anniversary of the burning of Rome. Since then, he has given up golf and always turns his cell phone off while driving and playing Sudoku. He seldom ventures out of the house, as a matter of fact, and has found that an absorption with Sudoku is also a good way to lose weight - due to increasingly irregular eating habits.