Some morning commuters on SEPTA's R3 line had a puzzling start to their daily trip yesterday.
At the Elwyn station, Will Shortz, puzzle editor of the New York Times, boarded what was billed the Puzzle Car, and passengers were given Sudoku puzzles and pencils.
Then the challenge was on, with Shortz helping first-time Sudoku solvers, explaining the rules (use the numbers one through nine only once in every box, column, and row) and offering tips.
The ride promoted the third annual Sudoku National Championship, sponsored by The Inquirer and hosted by Shortz. The championship will take place Oct. 24 at the Convention Center, and offers a variety of categories so that nearly anyone may feel welcome to enter. A total of $25,000 in prizes will be given out.
On the R3, many passengers quietly solved Sudokus to pass the time during their commute. Some were first-time solvers.
"It's something different to do on the train," said Diane Byre, an R3 regular. "Our usual game is guessing where people are going to sit."
For his part, Shortz finds the puzzles relaxing.
"You get wrapped in the puzzle and tune out everything else in the world," he said.
The trip ended at Suburban Station, where SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey, Shortz, and Inquirer publisher Brian P. Tierney addressed reporters and commuters.
Tierney expressed excitement about the tournament, saying more than 700 people had already registered and all age groups were represented. The oldest registered participant is 94. The youngest? Only 4.
For more information on the championship or to learn how to register, visit www.philly.com/sudoku
Contact staff writer Olivia Biagi at 215-854-5626 or obiagi@phillynews.com.
