Welcome to Sudoku!
Sudoku is one of the world's most popular logic puzzles, enjoyed by millions of people every day. If you've never solved a Sudoku before, or if you've tried but found it confusing, you're in the right place. This guide will take you from complete beginner to confident solver.
The beauty of Sudoku lies in its simplicity: no maths required, no language barriers, just pure logical thinking. Once you understand the basic rules and learn a couple of simple techniques, you'll be solving puzzles in no time.
Step 1: Learn the Rules
Before you can solve Sudoku puzzles, you need to understand how the game works. The rules are simple, but understanding them thoroughly is essential.
📖 Classic Sudoku Explained
Learn the fundamental rules of Sudoku: the 9×9 grid, rows, columns, boxes, and the one simple rule that governs everything.
Read the Complete Rules →Once you've read through the rules, you'll understand:
- How the 9×9 grid is structured
- What rows, columns, and 3×3 boxes are
- The single rule: each number 1-9 appears exactly once in each row, column, and box
- How given numbers (clues) help you find the solution
Step 2: Master the Two Essential Techniques
With the rules understood, you need just two techniques to solve most easy and many medium puzzles. These are the foundation of all Sudoku solving.
🔢 Naked Single
The simplest technique: when a cell has only one possible number left, that number must go there.
This happens when you've eliminated all other possibilities through the basic rules.
Learn Naked Single →🔍 Hidden Single
When a number can only go in one cell within a row, column, or box, it must go there – even if that cell has other candidates.
This is slightly harder to spot but equally powerful.
Learn Hidden Single →Step 3: Start Solving!
Now you're ready to tackle your first puzzles. Here's how to approach them:
Your First Puzzle Strategy:
- Start with Easy puzzles – They have more given numbers and require only basic techniques
- Scan for obvious singles – Look for rows, columns, or boxes with many filled cells
- Use pencil marks – Write small candidate numbers in empty cells to track possibilities
- Work systematically – Check each row, column, and box methodically
- Don't guess! – If you're stuck, you've missed something. Review your work.
- Be patient – Speed comes with practice. Focus on accuracy first.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls that trip up new players:
- Guessing: Never guess! Every move should be logically certain.
- Forgetting boxes: Remember to check 3×3 boxes, not just rows and columns.
- Rushing: Take your time. Mistakes are hard to undo.
- Skipping pencil marks: Writing candidates helps you see patterns.
- Giving up too soon: If stuck, take a break and return with fresh eyes.
Ready for More?
Once you're comfortable with Naked Singles and Hidden Singles, you can explore more advanced techniques:
📚 All Sudoku Techniques
Explore our complete library of solving techniques, from beginner to expert level.
Browse All Techniques →Practice with SudokuWorldTournament
The best way to improve is through practice. SudokuWorldTournament offers:
- Puzzles for all levels: From Easy to Professor difficulty
- Daily Challenges: A new puzzle every day to keep you sharp
- Global Leaderboards: Compete with players worldwide
- Technique Recognition: The app identifies when you use advanced techniques and rewards you with bonus points
- No guessing required: Every puzzle is guaranteed solvable through logic alone