Calling all Sudoku fans!

After conducting a very informal survey of some of my fellow grad students, I have determined that there are a number of non-alcoholic distractions that are very popular, including but not limited to self-Googling (entering your name into Google and waiting to see what comes up), library card catalog bingo (entering random keywords into library catalog search engines), and Red Bull chugging contests, preferably right before finals week.

Obviously I made most of that up, but the fact that the Philadelphia Inquirer is hosting the National Sudoku Tournament next weekend is absolutely true. Sudoku enthusiasts at all levels, from beginner to advanced, are invited to participate and there will be cash prizes! The Inquirer will be putting up practice puzzles at all levels of difficulty each day on their website. Follow this link for puzzles http://www.philly.com/philly/comics_games/sudoku/More_Sudoku.html

and brush up on your skills.

Tickets to compete in just the tournament are $15 with your college ID if you register online at http://www.philly.com/philly/comics_games/sudoku/6950822.html

If you just want to watch, spectator tickets are $10 online, which gets you into the tournament. From there, you can sign up for over 40 different tours of Philadelphia attractions which will be taking place on Sunday the 21st as part of the festivities.

Also from philly.com, here is a schedule of events:

Friday, October 19, 2007 • 7 p.m to 9 p.m. - Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA Welcome Reception
The Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship's Welcome Reception will take place in one of Philadelphia's newest landmark attractions, the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Come enjoy spectacular artwork and delicious food while mingling with Will Shortz and other Sudoku players from around the country. And bring the whole family, too! A Sudoku-inspired scavenger hunt, practice puzzles and even magicians will get everyone of all ages excited and ready for the big championship the next day.

Saturday, October 20, 2007 • 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall A, Philadelphia, PA The Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship
Test your skills at the first-of-its-kind National Sudoku Championship. Hosted by renowned puzzle master Will Shortz, it is a great opportunity to meet new people and win exciting prizes.
9 a.m. Registration
11 a.m. Rounds 1 and 2
12:30 p.m. Break for Lunch
1:30 p.m. Round 3
2:30 p.m. Bonus Round
3 p.m. Finals
3:30 p.m. Awards Presentation

Saturday, October 20, 2007 • 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. - Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall A, Philadelphia, PA Post Championship Meal
This informal meal will be a casual event that will give participants an opportunity to get to know one another and recap about the excitement of the Championship.

Sunday, October 21, 2007 Experience Philly
Stay for the whole weekend and take a Philadelphia city tour, see the historic district or visit a museum. Representatives from the Independence Visitor Center will be at the tournament all day Saturday to help you plan your adventure in Philadelphia. Tickets for more than 40 tours and attractions, plus suggested itineraries and maps will be available on site. Here are some tours and attractions that will be available: Adventure AquariumBig Bus TourFranklin Institute Science MuseumIndependence HallNational Constitution CenterMural Arts ToursPhiladelphia Museum of ArtPhiladelphia Trolley WorksRide the DucksSpirit of Philadelphia

And dare I mention the prizes? The following prizes are up for grabs:

Advanced Winner Prize: $10,000 plus a spot on the U.S. National Sudoku Team. Winner will compete in the 2008 World Sudoku Championship in India. Travel and accommodations to and from the World Sudoku Championship will also be paid for as part of the advanced level prize.
Intermediate Winner Prize: Winner will receive $5,000.
Beginner Winner Prize: Winner will receive $3,000.
Category Winners: Several awards will be presented to winners in a variety of categories. These winners will receive $100.

Even if you just go to watch, this is sure to be a fun event for the puzzle-minded crowd (and possibly something fun to do with a date or as an inexpensive group outing).