It is Easy to Learn How to Play Sudoku
My easy to understand illustrated techniques teach you how to play Sudoku puzzles. In several articles, (just too much to show in one article) I will share with you how Sudoku puzzles are solved.
In this article, you will learn the basic techniques on how to play Sudoku puzzles and games. When the challenge gets tougher, read my article on
Sudoku Tips. Apply advanced techniques such as X-Wing and Swordfish to break the logjam of the most difficult puzzles.
Sudoku is solvable. A properly prepared puzzle only has one solution. There isn’t any need to guess (although you will be tempted at times). Applying simple logic and eliminating candidates will provide the solution in every case.
Math is not required to play Sudoku. You could play Sudoku using any nine symbols or colors. Numbers just happen to be easier.
Sudoku In a Nutshell
Traditional Sudoku is a 9×9 puzzle grid made up of nine 3×3 regions. Each region, row, and column contains nine cells each. See the example below.
Sudoku Puzzle
The numbers shown in the example are the “givens”. These numbers can not be changed in any puzzle.
You solve the puzzle by filling in the empty cells with a single number (from all the possible candidates) that doesn’t violate Sudoku rules. There is only one correct number per cell.
Scan the “givens” looking for the same number in different rows, columns, or regions. Eliminate cells for consideration by applying the Sudoku rules using these numbers.
In cases where the solution isn’t immediately obvious, you markup or pencil in a vacant cell the possible candidates for future reference.
Consider using the blank Sudoku grid with candidates method to determine all the possible candidates. This can save you time in solving puzzles and prevent missing important candidates. It will also reveal answers that are not immediately obvious otherwise.
After you have identified the possible candidates it is time to apply some logic. It is necessary to eliminate all candidates to arrive at a single answer for each cell. I’ll cover this topic in more detail in related articles.
The Sudoku Puzzle Challenge
Complete the Sudoku puzzle so that each and every row, column, and region contains the numbers one through nine only once.
The puzzle above I would rate it as very easy. I hand-crafted this puzzle. It can be solved using simple logic and eliminating a few candidates.
It is interesting to note that it is not the quantity of givens that make a Sudoku puzzle easy or hard. Rather, it is the location and combination of givens.
How To Play Sudoku
Sudoku Puzzle Scan For Ones
In this example on how to play Sudoku, we begin playing Sudoku by scanning the puzzle.
It doesn’t matter where you start. I suggest looking for the number that has several “givens”. The more givens of a particular number often means that it will be easier to solve.
In this case you can see that there are three number ones (1).
Applying the Sudoku rule, you know that a 1 can not go in any row, column, or region that already has a 1. Plus you know, that every row, column, and region must have a 1.
The scans are marked with red arrows in this example. The two parallel scans from the two ones in the middle tier prevent any ones in the top two rows of the left most region. The vertical scan eliminates the middle cell of the bottom row from consideration.
In this example, you can see that there is only one cell (marked with a black X) that can contain a 1 in the left most region in the middle tier. Enter a 1 in the cell marked with an X.
Now that a cell is solved, you should look to see if it will help us solve another cell or two. In this case there aren’t enough clues to solve for ones at this time.
Likewise there aren’t enough clues using this method for twos or threes at this time.
Let’s look at the fours for your next lesson on how to play Sudoku.
Sudoku Puzzle Scan For Fours
You can see a similar pattern in the fours as there was in the ones above. In the lower left region you can see that there is only one cell (marked with an X) that isn’t eliminated using the scan method. Enter a 4 there.
See if you can find the rest of the fours. You have enough clues.
Now continue solving for fives through eights. Your grid will look like the next graphic in the center of your grid.
Naked Nine
Can you find a nine in the example at the left without using any other numbers to help?
Yes, you’re right. A nine goes in the middle row to complete the row. It is the only missing number. That was simple!
The Sudoku Solution So Far
You are making great progress in learning how to play Sudoku. You should be able solve most cells using the scan method you learned so far.
The image on the left was solved using just the scan method and entering the naked nine as mentioned earlier.
Pencil In Candidates
Let’s say you are stuck. It’s time to pencil in all the possible candidates for the remaining cells.
The example on the left shows all the possible candidates for the partially solved puzzle.
You can quickly note that in the seventh column are two “naked” single numbers standing alone.
The naked numbers are 1 and a 2. We also have a “hidden” 6 in the same column.
Since the 1 and 2 are already found, you can eliminate the 1 and 2 from the cell containing 1, 2 and 6. The 6 remains. Enter these numbers and you have quickly completed the column.
Now that you have found a 1 in the seventh column, you can eliminate the 1 from the last cell in the bottom row. (left most region)
A 3 remains. Enter the 3 and you have completed the bottom row.
As you enter a found number, be sure to cross off that number in the row, column, and region that your found number is in. As you do, new “naked” numbers will appear.
In the lower left region, when you entered a 3 solving the bottom row, enables you to now eliminate all threes in this region. Doing so reveals another “naked” 6 and a 1/6 pair. Enter the 6 where the “naked” 6 is.
Now you can also remove the 6 from the last cell in this region. A “naked” 1 remains. Enter the 1 and you have solved this region.
Congratulations! You now know how to play Sudoku (at least an easy one)! Try a harder game of Sudoku now.
Be sure to read my other articles on how to play Sudoku.
All Pages on Solving Sudoku Puzzles
Reader’s Tips on Solving Sudoku
Lots of tips from our readers on solving sudoku…
How to Use Math in Solving Sudoku
by Rick Yakubisin (Greensburg, PA) Using Math in Solving Sudoku Any row, column or grid. Pick a candidate and count how many the chosen candidate is in the row, column
Sudoku Puzzle Triplets — Identifying and Understanding
What are Sudoku’s hidden triplets? As sudoku becomes more complicated every day, it is just common for different techniques to arise in order to solve a sudoku puzzle. One of
Sudoku Square and Space Notation
by Ed Glysson(Morgan Hill, CA.) Sudoku Square and Space Notation As we know, a Sudoku Puzzle Template is a 9×9 matrix of 81 Spaces, which are initially all empty. These
Sudoku – 54 Clues in 5 Minutes
by Ed Glysson(Morgan Hill, CA.) Sudoku – 54 Clues in Five Minutes This methodology is easy to utilize, but the explanation is wordy so stay with me. Start the Clock!
Sudoku Puzzling Materials
by Ed Glysson(Morgan Hill, CA.) Sudoku Puzzling Materials So, minimally all one needs is a puzzle and a pencil (or pen), and it’s “Game On!”. But some Sudoku puzzles necessitate
Mirror Readoku – A Sudoku Twist
by Dr. Shelagh Robinson Psychologist, OPQ(Montreal, Quebec, Canada) Fast, focused, head-to-head Sudoku action. Timed, of course – the pace is competitive. Bragging rights are up for the puzzler who finds
Be The Master Of Evergreen Game – Sudoku Puzzle
by Sunny Patel(Ahmedabad, India) What is Sudoku? Sudoku is a number placement brainteaser which calls for you to tap into your reasoning skills. Patience is also a requirement for you
Find Naked and Hidden Singles and Pairs First
One of the most known techniques that every sudoku enthusiasts do is finding the naked and hidden singles/pairs in a sudoku puzzle. It is really important to understand exactly what
Is Web Sudoku Deluxe Worth Downloading?
Read this critical review on Web Sudoku Deluxe and then decide for yourself. A short while ago, one of my SudokuEssential.com visitors emailed me and asked me if I had
Don’t Download or Buy Sudoku Works ™ Until You Read My Critical Review!
Discover the truth about Sudoku Works ™! I downloaded this Sudoku Game, I played it, and now I can tell you what you need to know. Read this critical review
My Favorite Sudoku Puzzle Books
One thing about Sudoku Puzzles, they are addictive! Sudoku puzzle books are rolling off the presses to satisfy that addiction. You now have many puzzle books to choose from. Maybe
“What Is The Best Sudoku Handheld Game?”
Looking to buy an electronic Sudoku handheld game? Beware! Look before you leap. Pictures in online catalogs can be deceiving. I know, I bought the “Do You Sudoku™” handheld electronic
Don’t Download or Buy Sudoku Dragon ™ Until You Read My Critical Review!
Sudoku Dragon Review Discover the truth about Sudoku Dragon™! I downloaded this Sudoku Game, I played it, and now I can tell you what I liked and disliked about it.
Sudoku The Board Game Creates Family Fun
Sudoku The Board Game brings 1 to 4 friends together to solve a challenging and addictive Sudoku puzzle. Using simple logic and reasoning, players compete against each other to solve
Du-KO A New Sudoku Board Game That The Whole Family Can Play!
Du-KO Sudoku Board Game Review Du-KO is a new Sudoku board game for 2011. What was once an individual game, now can be played by 1 to 9 players, ages
Simple Sudoku – My Favorite Sudoku Game and Sudoku Puzzle Solver
I downloaded Simple Sudoku , I played it, and now I can tell you what I liked and disliked about it. Read this review and then decide if this Sudoku game is
Programming Sudoku
How to Program Sudoku Programming Sudoku is a challenge for computer programmers. Could a little advice help you in creating your next masterpiece? Several programmers have contacted me in the
Is Pappocom Sudoku The Right Sudoku Game For You?
I bought Pappocom Sudoku, I played it, and now I can tell you all about it. Read this review and then decide if this Sudoku game is for you. Pappocom
Sudoku XY-Wing Solves Difficult Sudoku Puzzles
What is Sudoku XY-Wing Pattern? A Sudoku XY-Wing pattern occurs in many of the more difficult Sudoku puzzles. XY Wing involves 3 different cells — each with exactly two candidates
Sudoku Directions For Solving XY-Wing
Many people have asked me for step-by-step Sudoku directions for solving XY-Wing example number 1. If you have been puzzled about how I solved this puzzle, read this article. It seems
How To Solve Sudoku X-Wing
Sudoku X-Wing Explained Many people have asked me how to solve Sudoku X-Wing, which is a very hard Sudoku puzzle pattern to identify and solve. Here is a step-by-step explanation
Solve Sudoku Swordfish and Become a Pro
Sudoku Swordfish Sudoku Swordfish is a powerful technique used to solve some very hard Sudoku puzzles. Not every difficult Sudoku puzzle will have this pattern. You will need to know
Take These Steps To Solve Sudoku Swordfish
If you have been puzzled about how to solve Sudoku very hard puzzle #2, read this article. I will take you step by step so you can arrive at the starting position
How To Identify Sudoku X-Wing Pattern
What is Sudoku X-Wing Pattern? The Sudoku X-Wing pattern or technique is one of the most advanced techniques that can be applied to Sudoku puzzles from a medium difficulty level
Would An Effective Sudoku Strategy Help You Solve Your Sudoku Puzzle?
Solve Sudoku Without Guessing In this article you will learn how to apply a simple Sudoku strategy that will help you solve Sudoku puzzles. Additional advanced strategies are described in
Share Your Sudoku Strategies!
What Is Your Favorite Sudoku Strategy? Do you have a great Sudoku strategy? Share it! Write a 300 word article that explains your strategy. Use proper English and sentence structure.
Sudoku Hints To Logically Solve Sudoku
Sudoku Hints for all Levels Would you like better ways to solve Sudoku? Try these Sudoku hints. It is best to approach solving a Sudoku puzzle in a systematic way.
Which Sudoku Game Is Best For You?
Picking the perfect Sudoku game is difficult. There are many excellent games from which to choose. You have Sudoku Dragon™, Sudoku Works, Pappocom Sudoku, Simple Sudoku, and many others. I bought them,
Sudoku Rules Are Simple
How to Play Sudoku It’s the solution that’s the challenge. Here are the illustrated Sudoku rules. The Sudoku Rules Rows There are 9 rows in a traditional Sudoku puzzle. Every
A Snapshot History Of Sudoku Puzzles
The history of Sudoku puzzles likely has its roots in the mathematical concept of Latin Squares. Leonhard Euler, a Swiss mathematician, in the 1780s, developed the idea of arranging numbers
Ever Wonder How Grading Sudoku Puzzles Is Done?
Grading Sudoku Puzzles is very subjective. It differs from puzzle maker to puzzle maker. My research has revealed what Sudoku patterns you are likely to find in different grades of
How To Create Sudoku Puzzles Revealed!
Create Sudoku Game Easily I hesitate to tell you how to create Sudoku puzzles for yourself. You may never visit Sudoku Essentials again. That will make me sad. Then again,
Take the Sudoku Brain Teaser Challenge!
Sudoku is the greatest brain teaser. Love logic? Try it! It’s addictive! Who would have thought that solving a Sudoku puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in a
Are You Looking For Free Blank Sudoku Grids?
Blank Sudoku Printable Look no farther. I have them online ready for you to print. Try my special blank Sudoku grid with candidates worksheet. It will help you solve Sudoku
Want To Know How To Play Sudoku? I will show you how!
It is Easy to Learn How to Play Sudoku My easy to understand illustrated techniques teach you how to play Sudoku puzzles. In several articles, (just too much to show
Try My Sudoku Tips And Become A Better Sudoku Solver!
Sudoku Tips to Make you an Expert Would some Sudoku tips help you turn from an amateur to a professional puzzle solver? Use these Sudoku hints and strategies to solve
Learn How To Solve Sudoku Puzzles And Never Be Stumped Again!
Learning how to solve Sudoku puzzles requires applying logic. There are over thirty Sudoku techniques you need to know in order to solve all Sudoku puzzles from easy to fiendish.
Sudoku Puzzle Solver Solves Your Puzzle Instantly
Sudoku Solver Review Use a Sudoku solver to solve your most difficult sudoku puzzle instantly! You have several Sudoku solvers from which to pick. I reviewed several Sudoku programs to
Free Sudoku Worksheet
Download this free Sudoku worksheet to help you solve all of your Sudoku puzzles. This handy Sudoku Excel template will allow you to enter and remove candidates for each cell.
Solve Hard Sudoku Puzzles In Less Time Using The Links Method
Solving Hard Sudoku – Links Method Solving hard Sudoku puzzles challenge the skills of Sudoku solvers. Many solvers pencil in candidates and look for common patterns in their puzzles. When