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How to Play Sudoku - SudokuUSA.com

Welcome to Sudoku!

Sudoku is one of the most beloved puzzle games around the world. The objective is simple yet challenging: fill a 9×9 grid so that every row, column, and 3×3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9 without repeating any.

It's a fantastic logic-based game that doesn't require math — just focus and reasoning. Play regularly, and you'll find your concentration and problem-solving skills getting sharper every day!

About the Game

Sudoku is a Japanese puzzle that focuses entirely on logical number placement. You don't need to do any calculations. Just think critically and stay sharp — that's all it takes to succeed.

How to Play

At the start of each puzzle, some cells in the 9×9 grid will already be filled. Your goal is to complete the rest using logic. Follow these rules:

Game Controls

Difficulty Levels

Beginner Strategies

Scanning

The most basic strategy is to scan rows, columns, and 3×3 boxes for missing numbers. Look for rows, columns, or boxes that are almost complete and focus on placing the missing numbers.

Elimination

For each empty cell, consider what numbers are already present in its row, column, and 3×3 box. The remaining numbers are the only candidates for that cell.

Pencil Marks

Use the pencil mark feature to note down possible values for each empty cell. This helps keep track of candidates and narrow down possibilities.

Singles

Look for cells that have only one possible value based on what's already in their row, column, and box. These "singles" are definite placements.

Intermediate Strategies

Pairs and Triples

When two cells in the same unit (row, column, or box) can only contain the same two numbers, those numbers can be eliminated from other cells in that unit.

X-Wing

When a number appears as a possibility in exactly two cells in two different rows, and these cells also share columns, the number can be eliminated from other cells in those columns.

Advanced Strategies

Swordfish

Similar to X-Wing but involving three rows and three columns.

Y-Wing

A pattern involving three cells that allows for eliminations in other cells.

Forcing Chains

Follow chains of cause-and-effect to determine the necessary values of cells.

Ready to sharpen your brain and dive in? Head back to the game and enjoy the challenge!

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