How to Learn to Play Sudoku

Sudoku is a fun number puzzle that people all over the world enjoy. The rules are simple, but solving it can be tricky! Want to learn? This guide will teach you how to play Sudoku. You'll go from knowing nothing to solving like a pro.

What is Sudoku?

Sudoku is a puzzle where you use logic to put numbers in the right spots. Here's the goal: fill a 9x9 grid with numbers 1 through 9. Easy, right?

But there's a catch! Each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 squares must have all the numbers from 1 to 9. No repeats allowed!

The puzzle starts with some numbers already filled in. A good puzzle only has one right answer.

Sudoku Rules: The Basics

Before you start solving, you need to know the Sudoku rules. They're pretty simple:

• The Grid: It's a big square made of 9 smaller squares (3x3).
• The Numbers: Use numbers 1 through 9.
• The Row Rule: Every row must have all the numbers 1-9. No repeats!
• The Column Rule: Every column must have all the numbers 1-9. Again, no repeats!
• The Block Rule: Each 3x3 square must have all the numbers 1-9. You guessed it, no repeats!

Basic Sudoku Strategy for Beginners

Okay, now you know the rules. Time for some easy ways to solve Sudoku. These tips will help you find the right number for some of the squares.

1. Scanning

Scanning is the most basic Sudoku strategy. You just look at the rows, columns, and 3x3 squares to find the missing numbers.

• Row/Column Scanning: Pick a number, like 1. Check each row and column. If you see a 1, you can't put another 1 in that row or column.
• Block Scanning: Do the same thing with the 3x3 squares. If a number is in a square, it can't be anywhere else in that square.

2. Marking Candidates (Pencil Marks)

This is a really helpful trick. Use a pencil to write small numbers in each empty square. These are the numbers that could go in that square.

How to mark candidates:

1. Look at each empty square.
2. Think about each number from 1 to 9.
3. If a number isn't in the same row, column, or 3x3 square, write it lightly in the corner of that square.
4. When you fill in a number, erase it from the other squares in the same row, column, and 3x3 square.

3. Naked Singles

A "naked single" is when a square only has one possible number left. That means it must be the right number!

How to find naked singles:

1. After you've marked the candidates, look at each empty square.
2. If a square only has one number in it, fill it in!
3. Erase that number from the other squares in the same row, column, and 3x3 square.

4. Hidden Singles

A "hidden single" is when a number only appears once as a candidate in a row, column, or 3x3 square. Even if there are other candidates in that square, that number has to go there.

How to spot hidden singles:

1. Pick a number, like 1.
2. Look at a row, column, or 3x3 square.
3. If the number only appears as a candidate in one square, fill it in!
4. Erase that number from the other squares in the same row, column, and 3x3 square.

Intermediate Sudoku Strategy: Level Up Your Game

Now that you know the basics, let's try some harder tricks. These will help you find patterns and solve tougher puzzles.

1. Locked Candidates (Pointing Pairs/Triples)

This happens when all the candidates for a number in a 3x3 square are in the same row or column. If this happens, that number can't be anywhere else in that row or column outside of the square.

How to find locked candidates:

1. Pick a number, like 2.
2. Look at a 3x3 square.
3. If all the 2s are in the same row, you can erase 2 as a candidate from the rest of that row outside of the square.
4. Same thing if they're all in the same column.

2. Naked Pairs/Triples

A "naked pair" is when two squares in the same row, column, or 3x3 square have the exact same two candidates. This means those two numbers must go in those two squares. You can erase those numbers from all the other squares in that row, column, or square.

A "naked triple" is the same idea, but with three squares and three candidates.

How to spot naked pairs/triples:

1. Check each row, column, and 3x3 square.
2. Look for two squares (for a pair) or three squares (for a triple) that have the same candidates.
3. Erase those candidates from all the other squares in that row, column, or square.

3. Hidden Pairs/Triples

A "hidden pair" is when two candidates only appear in two squares within a row, column, or 3x3 square. This means those two numbers must go in those two squares. Erase all the other candidates from those squares.

A "hidden triple" is the same, but with three candidates that only appear in three squares.

How to find hidden pairs/triples:

1. Check each row, column, and 3x3 square.
2. Look for two candidates (for a pair) or three candidates (for a triple) that only appear in a certain number of squares (two or three).
3. Erase all the other candidates from those squares.

Advanced Sudoku Strategy: Become a Sudoku Master

Want to solve the hardest Sudoku puzzles? You'll need to learn these advanced tricks. They take practice, but they're worth it!

1. X-Wing

An X-Wing is a pattern where a candidate appears in only two squares in each of two rows. Those squares are in the same two columns. You can erase that candidate from those two columns in all the other rows.

2. Swordfish

A Swordfish is like an X-Wing, but it uses three rows, three columns, and the candidate appears in only two or three squares in each of those rows.

3. XY-Wing

An XY-Wing uses three squares. Two of the squares (the "wings") have two candidates each. One of those candidates is also in the third square (the "body"). If either of the candidates in the body is right, one of the wings must have the shared candidate. So, you can erase the shared candidate from any square that can "see" both wings.

4. Remote Pairs

Remote Pairs use a chain of squares. Each square has the same two candidates. By thinking about how these squares connect, you can erase possibilities and solve tough puzzles.

Tips for Improving Your Sudoku Skills

• Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you'll get.
• Start with Easier Puzzles: Build up your skills slowly.
• Use a Sudoku Solver: Check your answers with a solver online. But don't rely on it too much! Try to solve it yourself first.
• Take Breaks: If you're stuck, take a break and come back later.
• Learn from Others: Watch videos or read articles about Sudoku.
• Remember the logic puzzles aspect: Sudoku is about logic! Think about why a move is right, not just memorizing patterns.

Online Resources for Sudoku

There are tons of websites and apps with free Sudoku puzzles:

• Sudoku.com: A popular site with lots of puzzles.
• Conceptis Puzzles: Has lots of logic puzzles, including Sudoku.
• Mobile Apps: Search for "Sudoku" in your app store.

Conclusion: Have Fun Learning Sudoku!

Learning how to play Sudoku is a great way to boost your brainpower. You'll get better at logic and problem-solving. Learn the rules, practice the strategies, and have fun! You'll be solving puzzles like a pro in no time.

Just keep practicing and thinking carefully. You'll find your own favorite Sudoku strategy. Good luck and happy puzzling!