Learn Sudoku step by step
Start with the rules and your first deductions. Then learn to maintain reliable candidates and choose a technique for the situation on your grid.
A route through your first puzzles
- Learn the rules and practise a nearly complete row.
- Recognise single candidates and unique positions before searching for patterns.
- Organise pencil marks and explain every elimination you make.
Browse the Sudoku technique catalogue · Practise with printable Sudoku
How to play sudoku: Rules for beginners
Learn how to play sudoku with the three classic rules, a worked example and a beginner exercise. Understand givens, candidates and final entries.
Read & practiseNaked single sudoku: One cell, one candidate
Learn the naked single sudoku technique with a worked example and an exercise. Check the row, column and box to prove a cell has one candidate.
Read & practiseHidden single sudoku: Find a digit’s only place
Learn the hidden single sudoku technique with a row example and a short exercise. Find the only possible place for a digit, even among several pencil marks.
Read & practiseNaked pairs sudoku: A step-by-step example
Use naked pairs in sudoku to eliminate candidates from a shared row, column or box. Follow a worked example, avoid false pairs and try an exercise.
Read & practiseLocked candidates in sudoku: Box and line interactions
Learn locked candidates in sudoku with pointing and claiming examples, clear elimination boundaries and an exercise you can explain without guessing.
Read & practiseSudoku X-Wing: How to find and prove the pattern
Learn the sudoku X-Wing technique with two rows, two columns and one digit. Follow a local proof, avoid false rectangles and try an explained exercise.
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