Step-by-Step on How to Play Sudoku

Sudoku is fun and easy to learn.

Sudoku is a fun and addicting game that is solved using logic and deduction. The objective of the game is to fill each row, column and 3x3 subsection of the 9x9 grid with the numbers 1 to 9 in any order, without repeating a number. Each puzzle begins with some numbers already filled in, and it is your job to fill in the empty boxes with the appropriate numbers. No math, no calculations, just you and your deductive reasoning. Once you learn the basic rules and techniques of Sudoku, you'll be solving puzzles in no time.

Instructions

1. Scan the already filled in numbers, looking for the same number in different rows, columns and regions. Fill in the obvious answers first. For example, if you have a 3x3 region with one blank space, you know the number that fills that space is whatever digit from 1 to 9 that is missing.

2. Continue scanning the puzzle for obvious answers, working your way through the entire puzzle. One strategy is to begin at 1, finding all the spots you can fill in with that number, then moving on to 2, 3, etc. all the way through 9.

3. There will be some spaces where there is more than one possible answer. Using a pencil, write down the possible numbers in the square, and keep working through the puzzle until you have written down all possibilities in all of the blank spaces.

4. Review your penciled-in possible answers. You are now be able to see where certain numbers go. For example, say you have a column with three blank squares and your possible answers are 4 and 5 in two of the squares and 4, 5, and 6 for the third. You know that the 6 must go in the third square because that is the only place it fits within the column.

5. Cross off the numbers as you find them from your possible answers in the same row, column and region. This will narrow down your possible answers and reveal where other digits go within the puzzle.

6. Periodically scan the puzzle, checking that you haven't repeated a digit in any row, column or 3x3 region. It is much easier to fix a mistake before the puzzle is completed. Trying to go back to find where an error was made once a puzzle is completed can be frustrating, and in some cases, impossible.

7. Continue scanning the puzzle as before, narrowing down your possible answers and marking off digits as they are discovered, until you have all blank spaces filled.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with pencil so that you can easily correct mistakes as you find them.

• Newspapers usually have the easiest Sudoku puzzle on Monday, with the difficulty progressing throughout the week.

• There are many different strategies to completing a Sudoku puzzle. You will discover what works for you over time.

• If you are really stuck, many Sudoku solvers online can help you find the right answer.

References

• Sudokuessentils.com: How to Play Sudoku
• Sudokudaily.net: Sudoku Instructions

Resources

• Sudoku Solver by Logic
• Classic Sudoku Solver