Learn to easily solve Sudoku puzzles like a champ

How to Play

Objective: Fill a 9x9 grid so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contain all of the digits from 1 to 9.

Given Clues: The puzzle starts with some cells already filled with numbers. Use these clues to deduce the missing numbers.

Key Strategies

1. Scan for Singles (Naked Singles) - Look for rows, columns, or 3x3 boxes that have only one possible number for a particular cell. These are often the easiest numbers to place.

2. Pencil In Possibilities - For each empty cell, write down small numbers (pencil marks) representing all possible numbers that could fit in that cell based on the current state of the row, column, and box.

3. Use the Process of Elimination - For each number 1 through 9, scan each row, column, and 3x3 box to eliminate possibilities until only one cell can hold a particular number.

4. Look for Hidden Singles - Sometimes a number can only fit in one cell within a row, column, or box even if other numbers could technically go in that cell. Identifying these "hidden singles" is crucial.

5. Box-Line Reduction - If a number can only appear in one row or column within a 3x3 box, then it can be eliminated from the same row or column outside the box.

6. Naked Pairs/Triple - If two or three cells in a row, column, or box contain the same two or three pencil marks, those numbers can be eliminated from other cells in that row, column, or box.

Let’s break it down into a step-by-step example to apply these strategies:

Step 1: Start with the Obvious

Fill in any cells that can be easily determined with naked singles.

Step 2: Pencil Marks

For each empty cell, write down all possible candidates. For example, if a cell can be 1, 3, or 7, note these small numbers in the cell.

Step 3: Eliminate Candidates

Use the numbers already placed to eliminate possibilities. If a 5 is in the same row, column, or box, eliminate 5 as a candidate for the other cells in that row, column, or box.

Step 4: Identify Hidden Singles

Check for any numbers that can only fit in one specific cell within a row, column, or box even though other candidates are present.

Step 5: Repeat and Apply Advanced Techniques

Continue the process of elimination and filling in cells. Use box-line reduction, naked pairs/triples, and other techniques as necessary.

Example

Consider this partially filled grid:

Fill in any naked singles first: Look for cells where only one number fits based on the current state of the puzzle.

Pencil in possibilities: For instance, the empty cell in the first row, second column can be 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Use process of elimination: For example, if the number 3 can only go in one cell in a particular row, place it there.

Continue applying strategies until the puzzle is solved.

Final Tips

Practice regularly to become faster and more efficient.

Start with easier puzzles to build your confidence before moving on to more challenging ones.

By focusing on these strategies and practicing regularly, you'll see significant improvement in your Sudoku skills in no time!

For more tips and help check out my Sudoku Puzzle Secrets