How many possible Sudoku boards are there?

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The discussion centers on the number of possible Sudoku boards, specifically a 9x9 grid composed of 3x3 blocks, where each number from 1 to 9 appears exactly once in each row, column, and block. The original poster is also developing a game based on Sudoku mechanics, where players manipulate a starting matrix to create a valid Sudoku grid. They seek a method to ensure that the game has at least one solution, avoiding scenarios where the game becomes unwinnable. The proposed gameplay involves transposing rows or columns while maintaining the uniqueness of numbers. The conversation highlights the complexity of Sudoku and the challenges in game design related to maintaining solvability.
ACG
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Hi! I've got a couple of questions about Sudoku.

1. How many possible Sudoku boards are there? That is, a 3x3 square of 3x3 blocks where (a) each block has the numbers 1-9 exactly once, and (b) each row and column of the resulting 9x9 matrix has the numbers 1-9 exactly once?

2. I'm trying to develop a game based on Sudoku. The basic premise is you start out with a 9x9 matrix of numbers and the two players keep on performing operations on the matrix until a valid Sudoku grid is created. Whoever finishes the grid wins. (The reverse, Rubik-style game is to start with a Sudoku grid or random bunch of numbers where each number appears 9 times and wind up with a matrix like

123456789
912345678
871234567...)

The original thing I had in mind would be this: start with a Sudoku grid and allow either player to transpose two rows or two columns. The uniqueness of the numbers in the rows and columns will be invariant under this transformation.

The catch is: I need a starting matrix, ending matrix, and a rule which will guarantee at least one possible solution. I don't want to make a game impossible to win.

Thanks in advance,

ACG
 
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http://www.afjarvis.staff.shef.ac.uk/sudoku/sudoku.pdf
 
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