Simple Sudoku rules will teach you how to play the game. This is a popular numerical puzzle that develops logic, attention and patience. Despite the apparent complexity, there is nothing complicated in the rules, and everyone can master the game. In this article, we will look at the basics of Sudoku, effective solving strategies and useful tips for beginners.
Sudoku Rules
The playing field is a 9×9 square divided into 9 smaller 3×3 squares (regions). Some squares are already filled with numbers - these are hints.
The goal of the game - fill the empty squares with numbers from 1 to 9 so that:
In each row, all digits from 1 to 9 occur without repetition.
In each column, all digits from 1 to 9 occur without repeats.
In each 3×3 small square, all digits from 1 to 9 occur without repetition.
How to Solve Sudoku: a step-by-step strategy
1. Look for obvious numbers
Start by looking for rows, columns, or regions where only one digit is missing. For example, if a row already has the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, then write 9 in the empty cell.
2. Use the elimination method
If there are several numbers missing from a row, column, or region, try to identify possible choices for each empty cell. Exclude numbers that already exist in the corresponding row, column, and region.
Example:
Exclusion method in Sudoku
The centre cell cannot contain 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 - only 4 remains.
3. Apply ‘hidden singles’
If there is only one possible digit left in a cell (even if there were originally several choices), you can safely write it in.
4. Analyse pairs and triples
If two or three cells in a row, column or region can contain the same digits (e.g. only 2 and 5), then those numbers will definitely not occur in other cells in that group. This helps narrow down the choices.
5. Go from simple to complex
If you get stuck at any stage, switch to another part of the field. Often filling in some cells will provide clues for others.
Tips for beginners
✔ Start with easy levels to understand the logic of the game.
✔ Don't guess - Sudoku is solved only logically.
✔ Practice regularly - the more often you play, the faster you will learn to see patterns.