Sudoku variants for seniors are a natural step for readers who have worn out classic Sudoku. They keep the calm of the original and add a new idea: two diagonals, irregular regions, or cages with sums. This article explains how the large print setting of LogikLand's Sudoku X, Jigsaw and Killer assistants works, what the real sizes on the page are, and how to choose a variant for a given reader.
Why variants suit many seniors
Variants change what you look at. In Sudoku X you check two extra lines. In Jigsaw you follow the thick outline of regions instead of squares. In Killer you add small numbers. This is not harder in a general sense, only different, and a reader who knows the classic puzzle well often enjoys a fresh rule. Every grid has one solution and can be solved by logic, so nobody has to guess.
What the large print setting changes
The large print setting is a switch inside the same assistant, reached from the Seniors tab, where the Sudoku X, Jigsaw and Killer cards are listed. Compared with the standard version, it changes:
- The "How to play" pages, printed in large text: 17 points for the body, 21 for headings on 8.5 x 11 inch pages (15 and 18 points on 6 x 9). The detailed guide takes 3 pages on 8.5 x 11 and 4 pages on 6 x 9, compared with 2 and 3 in the standard version.
- The title of each grid, 28 points instead of 24, reduced only if it is very long.
- One grid per page by default. You can choose 2 or, for Sudoku X and Jigsaw, 4. Killer allows 2 at most.
- The solutions, 2 per page by default, with options of 1, 2 or 4, and no 6-per-page option.
- The default title of the book, for example "Large Print Sudoku X".
Digit and cell sizes
How large the digits are depends on the page and on the number of grids per page. We calculated it from the layout code, with 0.75 inch margins. The digit of Sudoku X and Jigsaw is 60 percent of the cell.
| Page and grids per page | Cell | Digit |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 in, 1 grid | 56 pt (19.8 mm) | 33.6 pt |
| 8.5 x 11 in, 2 grids | 32.9 pt (11.6 mm) | 19.7 pt |
| 8.5 x 11 in, 4 grids | 26.2 pt (9.3 mm) | 15.7 pt |
| 6 x 9 in, 1 grid | 36 pt (12.7 mm) | 21.6 pt |
| 6 x 9 in, 2 grids | 24.9 pt (8.8 mm) | 14.9 pt |
| 6 x 9 in, 4 grids | 16.2 pt (5.7 mm) | 9.7 pt |
Our suggestion, not a rule: for readers who need large print, use one grid per page on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. The digits are 33.6 points, and the cells are about 2 centimetres wide, which also leaves room for pencil notes.
Which variant for which reader
| Variant | What it asks of the reader | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sudoku X | Check two extra diagonals. No arithmetic. | A reader who knows classic Sudoku and wants one new idea. |
| Jigsaw Sudoku | Follow irregular regions drawn with thick lines. | A reader who likes shapes, and a bold printed outline. |
| Killer Sudoku | Add small numbers, no starting digits. | A reader who enjoys arithmetic and long, patient work. |
Whichever you choose, start the book with easy grids. In the generators, an easy Sudoku X has at least 36 digits and an easy Jigsaw at least 38, so most cells are already guided. For the first approach to each rule, see the rules of Sudoku variants.
Two easy grids to try
Planning the book
In the large print assistant you choose the levels, the number of grids, grids per page, solutions per page, page size and margins. The estimate of pages is shown as you go. For 30 easy Sudoku X grids, one per page, with solutions two per page and the detailed guide, a book on 8.5 x 11 inch pages has 50 pages: 1 title, 3 guide pages, 30 grids, 1 "Solutions" page and 15 solution pages. On 6 x 9 inch pages, the guide takes 4 pages and the book has 51.
The FREE plan of the app allows 50 pages per book at the time of writing (PRO 100, EXPERT 200), so check the pricing page for the current limits. Books made on the FREE plan are for personal use; commercial rights come with the PRO and EXPERT plans.
Create a free account to make a full book
Create a free account to open the large print assistants. See the Sudoku book generator page for classic Sudoku. For a single variant in more detail, read Killer Sudoku for seniors and Sudoku X for seniors.
Questions
Is there one large print book with all the variants?
Not as one book. The Sudoku and Variants assistant, which puts classic Sudoku, Sudoku X, Jigsaw and Killer in one book, is for standard print. The large print setting is available in the separate Sudoku X, Jigsaw and Killer assistants of the Seniors tab, so each large print book has one variant.
Do the variants need arithmetic?
Sudoku X and Jigsaw do not: you only use digits 1 to 9 as in classic Sudoku. Killer Sudoku needs small additions.
Can I add instructions to the book?
Yes. Each large print book can start with a detailed "How to play" guide with pictures, a short page or nothing, and the text is printed in a bigger size than in standard books.
Related articles
- Killer Sudoku Rules: How to Play (With a Printable Example)
The three rules of Killer Sudoku, how to read a cage, and a finished grid checked cage by cage.
- Jigsaw Sudoku Rules: How to Play (With a Printable Example)
The three Jigsaw Sudoku rules, a grid you can check by hand, and how the generator builds each puzzle.
- Killer Sudoku for Seniors: How to Start (Printable Sample)
What large print means for Killer Sudoku, with calculated cell and sum sizes, getting-started tips and a page budget for a book.
- Sudoku X Rules: How to Play (With a Printable Example)
The Sudoku X rules, a grid with both diagonals checked by hand, and proof that the diagonals are not optional.
- How to Solve Sudoku Variants: Beginner Strategies
A solving routine for Sudoku variants, with checked examples for Sudoku X and Jigsaw and the technique grades behind each level.
- Jigsaw Sudoku for Seniors: How to Start (Printable Sample)
How the Large Print Jigsaw Sudoku assistant works, with measured digit sizes, levels and page counts.
Sources
Want to publish your own puzzle book?
LogikLand generates Sudoku, crossword, word search and maze books for Amazon KDP, in 8.5 x 11 or 6 x 9 inches, exported as a PDF or an editable PPTX file. Commercial rights come with the PRO and EXPERT plans.
Related: All blog articles | Try the tool | More Sudoku articles