How to Solve Sudoku: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering Sudoku: Logical Deduction Techniques for Solving Puzzles

In conclusion, medium Sudoku puzzles are a great way to sharpen your puzzle-solving skills and keep your mind active. They provide the perfect level of challenge for both beginners and experienced players, making them a popular choice for Sudoku enthusiasts everywhere. So, give medium Sudoku puzzles a try and enjoy a fun and engaging puzzle-solving experience!

Step 1: Look for Naked Singles

Look for any cells that can only have one possible value.
For example, if a row has only one empty cell and the other eight cells already have values, then the empty cell can only have one possible value.
Fill in the value for that cell.

Step 2: Look for Hidden Singles

Look for any rows, columns, or sub-grids that have only one empty cell and the other eight cells already have values.
Look at the empty cell and see if there is only one possible value that can be placed there based on the values already in the row, column, or sub-grid.
Fill in the value for that cell.

Step 3: Look for Locked Candidates
Look for any rows, columns, or sub-grids where a particular digit can only be placed in two or three cells.
For example, if the number 5 can only be placed in two cells in a row, then you can eliminate the possibility of placing the number 5 in any other cells in that row.
This can help you narrow down the possible values for each cell.

Step 4: Look for Naked Pairs, Triples, or Quads
Look for any rows, columns, or sub-grids where two, three, or four cells contain the same set of two, three, or four possible values.
For example, if two cells in a row have the same two possible values, you can eliminate those two values from all other cells in that row.
This can help you eliminate possible values and narrow down the options for each cell.

Step 5: Look for Hidden Pairs, Triples, or Quads
Look for any rows, columns, or sub-grids where two, three, or four cells contain the same set of two, three, or four possible values, but those values are hidden within the set.
For example, if two cells in a row have the same two possible values, but those values also appear in other cells in that row, you can eliminate those two values from all other cells in the row except the two cells that contain them.
This can help you eliminate possible values and narrow down the options for each cell.

Step 6: Look for X-Wing, Swordfish, and Jellyfish Patterns
Look for any rows or columns where a particular digit can only appear in two, three, or four cells.
If the same pattern occurs in another row or column, you can eliminate the possibility of placing that digit in any other cells in those rows or columns.
This can help you eliminate possible values and narrow down the options for each cell.

Step 7: Look for Chains and Colorings
These are more advanced techniques that involve identifying chains of cells that can only contain certain values, and using those chains to eliminate possibilities in other cells.
These techniques can be more complicated and require more practice to master, but can be useful for solving more difficult Sudoku puzzles.

By following these steps and using logical deduction, you can solve most Sudoku puzzles. Remember to avoid making guesses or using trial and error, and to take your time and carefully analyze each cell in the grid. With practice, you can become a skilled Sudoku solver and enjoy the challenge of increasingly difficult puzzles.

Game Options

Choose your preferred difficulty level and start playing:

4 X 4 sudoku
Sudoku for kids

6 X 6 sudoku
Easy sudoku
Middle sudoku
Hard sudoku
Expert sudoku

9 X 9 sudoku

Easy
1Level - 36clues
2Level - 35clues
3Level - 34clues
4Level - 33clues
5Level - 32clues
6Level - 31clues

Medium
7Level - 30clues
8Level - 29clues

Hard
9Level - 28clues
10Level - 27clues

Expert
11Level - 26clues
12Level - 25clues

Expert - Silver
13Level - 24clues
14Level - 23clues
15Level - 22clues
16Level - 21clues
17Level - 20clues

Expert - Gold
18Level - 19clues
19Level - 18clues
20Level - 17clues