Tips

I’ll be blogging periodically about tips for solving Kaidoku and putting the links here. Here are the basics, with links giving more detailed information:

Unusual letter combinations

When you first look at a Kaidoku, take a look around for letter combinations that stand out. Is there a palindrome in there? Double letters? How about a long word with the same letter repeated over and over? Look around and you’ll be surprised what you can find.
• Try these puzzles out: Kaidoku #2 | Kaidoku #12 | Kaidoku #23

Find the Q!

The Q can be your best friend when solving a Kaidoku. Why? Well, every Kaidoku must have one, as they are all pangrammatic. Also, the Q must be followed by a U! And even better, the U must be followed by another vowel! Finding the Q can give you three letters for the price of one. The trick, then, becomes hunting it down …
• Try these puzzles out: Kaidoku #3 | Kaidoku #4

Letter frequency

In English, as we all know, some letters appear more often than others. In Kaidoku this is true as well … up to a point. Looking for an E or an S might be a good start; they appear often and are fairly easy to identify.
• Try these puzzles out: Matt’s #3 | Kaidoku #52

Identifying Vowels

I’m always amazed that this method works; yet it is currently my favorite method. Sometimes you can look at a Kaidoku and by inspection, get a pretty good idea of what the vowels are! Sometimes you can fill in several letters all over the grid without getting any words. It’s fun!
• Try these puzzles out: Kaidoku #28 | Kaidoku #49

Also, if you’re starting out, take advantage of auto-fill in the applet! It makes trial and error possible, and the solving experience a lot easier. Once you’ve advanced a bit, you can try printing the puzzles out. Have fun!