What are the basic rules of Sudoku?

Each row must contain digits 1-9 without repetition. Each column must contain digits 1-9 without repetition. Each 3x3 box must contain digits 1-9 without repetition.

What strategies help solve Sudoku?

Common strategies include scanning, marking candidates, naked pairs, hidden singles, and X-Wing technique. Start with easier techniques and progress to advanced ones.

blank sudoku grids

The Basics

Sudoku is a logic-based number puzzle that has become one of the world's most popular brain games. Despite using numbers, no math is required—only logical deduction and pattern recognition.

The goal is simple: fill a 9×9 grid with digits 1-9 following three basic rules. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logic alone—never guessing.

💡 Key Fact

The name "Sudoku" comes from Japanese, meaning "single numbers" (数独, sūdoku). However, the modern puzzle was actually invented by an American architect, Howard Garns, in 1979.

The Three Rules

Every Sudoku puzzle follows exactly three rules:

1

Each Row Contains 1-9

Every horizontal row must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once. No repetition allowed.

2

Each Column Contains 1-9

Every vertical column must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once. No repetition allowed.

3

Each 3×3 Box Contains 1-9

Each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids (boxes) must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once.

✅ Pro Tip

Think of it this way: every row, column, and box is like a container that needs exactly one of each number 1-9. If a number already exists in that container, it can't appear again.

Understanding the Grid

A standard Sudoku grid consists of:

81 cells arranged in a 9×9 grid
9 rows running horizontally
9 columns running vertically
9 boxes (3×3 sub-grids) outlined by thicker lines

534678912 672195348 198342567 859761423 426853791 713924856 961537284 287419635 345286179

Blue numbers are given clues; gray numbers are solved by the player

How to Start Solving

Follow these steps when approaching a new puzzle:

Scan the grid - Look for rows, columns, or boxes that have many given numbers
Find obvious placements - If a row/column/box is missing only one number, fill it in
Use elimination - For each empty cell, determine which numbers are possible
Look for singles - Find cells where only one number can go
Repeat - Keep scanning and eliminating until the puzzle is complete

Basic Techniques

1. Scanning (Crosshatching)

Look at each number (1-9) and scan where it can go in empty boxes. Use the existing numbers in rows and columns to eliminate possibilities.

2. Naked Singles

When a cell has only one possible candidate after eliminating all numbers that appear in its row, column, and box, that candidate must go there.

3. Hidden Singles

When a number can only go in one cell within a row, column, or box—even if that cell has other candidates—that number must go there.

Tips for Beginners

✅ Do's

• Start with easy puzzles and gradually increase difficulty
• Use pencil marks to note possible candidates
• Take breaks when stuck—fresh eyes help
• Double-check each number placement

⚠️ Don'ts

• Never guess—Sudoku is pure logic
• Don't place a number unless you're 100% sure
• Avoid the temptation to look at solutions
• Don't give up—every puzzle has a solution

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at math?

No! Sudoku uses numbers as symbols, but requires no mathematical calculations. You could use letters, colors, or shapes instead.

Can a Sudoku puzzle have multiple solutions?

A properly constructed Sudoku puzzle has exactly one unique solution. If a puzzle has multiple solutions, it's considered flawed.

Is guessing ever necessary?

Never. Every valid Sudoku puzzle can be solved through pure logic. If you feel the need to guess, you may have missed a logical deduction.

object of sudoku

sudoku game book The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction.

sudoku game book Tips for Improving Your Sudoku Speed

pronunciation of sudoku

sudoku game book Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. wsj sudoku Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. sudoku nytimes medium Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. wsj sudoku Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. evil sudoku puzzles Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy.

sudoku game book The Benefits of Playing Sudoku Daily

sudoku definition

sudoku game book Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. what to do when stuck on sudoku The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction. sudoku solver unblocked To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. sudoku generator algorithm There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers. sudoku generator algorithm Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version.

sudoku game book How to Solve Hard Sudoku Puzzles Step by Step

tricks to sudoku

sudoku game book Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. samurai sudoku printable There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers. large sudoku book Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy.

sudoku game book Different Types of Sudoku Variants

killer sudoku tips and tricks

sudoku game book Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. card games io sudoku Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. sudoku medium online free Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. sudoku medium online free Many people enjoy solving Sudoku as a relaxing hobby. It provides a sense of accomplishment when a difficult puzzle is finally completed correctly.

sudoku game book History of the Sudoku Puzzle

magic squares sudoku

sudoku game book To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. microsoft games sudoku Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. how to complete sudoku fast To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. nyt sudoku medium today free The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction. nba sudoku Many people enjoy solving Sudoku as a relaxing hobby. It provides a sense of accomplishment when a difficult puzzle is finally completed correctly.

sudoku game book The Benefits of Playing Sudoku Daily

how is sudoku scored

sudoku game book Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. print samurai sudoku Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. washington times sudoku There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers. sudoku finished Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy.

sudoku game book Advanced Sudoku Solving Techniques

how to play killer sudoku

sudoku game book The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction. sudoku offline game There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers.

samurai sudoku solver