Learn Sudoku

From your first puzzle to advanced techniques — everything in one place.

Start Here

Never played Sudoku before? These guides cover the rules, a step-by-step solving method, and the mistakes to avoid from the start.

Sudoku Rules The 3 rules explained simply — rows, columns, and boxes. No math, no guessing. How to Play Sudoku A beginner walkthrough with a worked example, common mistakes, and practice tips. How to Solve Sudoku Step by Step The complete method — scanning, elimination, pencil marks, and the two core techniques every beginner needs. Common Sudoku Mistakes Beginners Make What goes wrong, why errors spread through the grid, and how to fix each habit before it takes hold. How to Solve Sudoku Without Guessing Every valid puzzle is solvable with logic alone. Learn which techniques replace trial and error. Sudoku Strategies for Beginners Every technique ranked from beginner to advanced — your complete learning roadmap.

Build Your Skills

Once you know the rules, these resources help you solve faster and tackle harder puzzles.

Sudoku Tips Scanning habits, the "stuck" playbook, speed tips, and a 7-day practice plan. Naked Singles The first technique — when only one number can go in a cell. Hidden Singles The most productive technique at every difficulty. Cross-hatching and candidate checking.

Intermediate Techniques

These strategies unlock medium and hard puzzles. They all build on pencil marks (candidate tracking).

Pointing Pairs When a box tells a row or column where a number cannot go. Includes claiming pairs. Box-Line Reduction The reverse of pointing pairs — when a row or column claims a number within a box. Naked Pairs Two cells, same two candidates — a powerful elimination technique. Includes naked triples. Hidden Pairs Two numbers restricted to two cells — strip extra candidates to unlock the grid.

Advanced Techniques

For hard and expert (evil) puzzles. These patterns are harder to spot but dramatically expand what you can solve.

X-Wing A row-column pattern that eliminates candidates across the grid. Essential for expert puzzles. Swordfish X-Wing's bigger sibling — three rows, three columns, one powerful elimination for expert and evil puzzles.

Recommended Progression

If you are unsure where to start, follow this path:

1. Rules → 2. How to Play → 3. Tips → 4. Naked Singles → 5. Hidden Singles → 6. Pointing Pairs → 7. Box-Line Reduction → 8. Naked Pairs → 9. Hidden Pairs → 10. X-Wing → 11. Swordfish

At each step, practice with the Daily Sudoku or the Deluxe Player at the appropriate difficulty. For offline practice, grab a printable puzzle pack.

📅 Today's Daily Puzzle ⭐ Deluxe Player 🖨️ Print Puzzles