How to Play Sudoku
Basic Rules for Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku puzzles and Sudoku games are logic-based number puzzle games. The goal is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids (called "boxes" or "regions") contains all of the digits from 1 to 9. Whether you play Sudoku online or solve Sudoku puzzles offline, the rules remain the same.
- Each row must contain the digits 1-9 without repetition
- Each column must contain the digits 1-9 without repetition
- Each 3×3 box must contain the digits 1-9 without repetition
- The puzzle starts with some cells already filled in (called "givens")
- You must fill in the remaining empty cells
How to Play Sudoku Games
1. Select a Cell
Click on an empty cell to select it. The selected cell will be highlighted, along with cells in the same row, column, and box.
2. Enter a Number
Click a number (1-9) on the number pad to fill the selected cell. If the number conflicts with existing numbers in the same row, column, or box, it will be marked in red.
3. Use Notes Mode
Click the "Notes" button to enable notes mode. In notes mode, you can place multiple candidate numbers in a cell to help you solve the puzzle.
4. Use Hints
You have 3 hints available. Click "Hint" to reveal one correct number in the selected cell.
5. Avoid Mistakes
You can make up to 3 mistakes. After 3 mistakes, the game is over. Use the "Undo" button to revert your last move.
Tips & Strategies
Look for Obvious Numbers
Start by looking for cells that can only contain one possible number based on the numbers already in the row, column, and box.
Use Elimination
If a number appears in a row, column, or box, you can eliminate it as a possibility for other cells in that same row, column, or box.
Work Systematically
Work through the puzzle methodically, checking rows, columns, and boxes one at a time.
Use Notes
For harder puzzles, use notes to track possible numbers for each cell. This helps you see patterns and eliminate possibilities.