sudoku new york times

The Basics

Sudoku is a logic-based number puzzle that has become one of the world's most popular brain games. Despite using numbers, no math is required—only logical deduction and pattern recognition.

The goal is simple: fill a 9×9 grid with digits 1-9 following three basic rules. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logic alone—never guessing.

💡 Key Fact

The name "Sudoku" comes from Japanese, meaning "single numbers" (数独, sūdoku). However, the modern puzzle was actually invented by an American architect, Howard Garns, in 1979.

The Three Rules

Every Sudoku puzzle follows exactly three rules:

1

Each Row Contains 1-9

Every horizontal row must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once. No repetition allowed.

2

Each Column Contains 1-9

Every vertical column must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once. No repetition allowed.

3

Each 3×3 Box Contains 1-9

Each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids (boxes) must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once.

✅ Pro Tip

Think of it this way: every row, column, and box is like a container that needs exactly one of each number 1-9. If a number already exists in that container, it can't appear again.

Understanding the Grid

A standard Sudoku grid consists of:

  • 81 cells arranged in a 9×9 grid
  • 9 rows running horizontally
  • 9 columns running vertically
  • 9 boxes (3×3 sub-grids) outlined by thicker lines
534678912 672195348 198342567 859761423 426853791 713924856 961537284 287419635 345286179

Blue numbers are given clues; gray numbers are solved by the player

How to Start Solving

Follow these steps when approaching a new puzzle:

  1. Scan the grid - Look for rows, columns, or boxes that have many given numbers
  2. Find obvious placements - If a row/column/box is missing only one number, fill it in
  3. Use elimination - For each empty cell, determine which numbers are possible
  4. Look for singles - Find cells where only one number can go
  5. Repeat - Keep scanning and eliminating until the puzzle is complete

Basic Techniques

1. Scanning (Crosshatching)

Look at each number (1-9) and scan where it can go in empty boxes. Use the existing numbers in rows and columns to eliminate possibilities.

2. Naked Singles

When a cell has only one possible candidate after eliminating all numbers that appear in its row, column, and box, that candidate must go there.

3. Hidden Singles

When a number can only go in one cell within a row, column, or box—even if that cell has other candidates—that number must go there.

Tips for Beginners

✅ Do's

• Start with easy puzzles and gradually increase difficulty
• Use pencil marks to note possible candidates
• Take breaks when stuck—fresh eyes help
• Double-check each number placement

⚠️ Don'ts

• Never guess—Sudoku is pure logic
• Don't place a number unless you're 100% sure
• Avoid the temptation to look at solutions
• Don't give up—every puzzle has a solution

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at math?

No! Sudoku uses numbers as symbols, but requires no mathematical calculations. You could use letters, colors, or shapes instead.

Can a Sudoku puzzle have multiple solutions?

A properly constructed Sudoku puzzle has exactly one unique solution. If a puzzle has multiple solutions, it's considered flawed.

Is guessing ever necessary?

Never. Every valid Sudoku puzzle can be solved through pure logic. If you feel the need to guess, you may have missed a logical deduction.

print sudoku puzzles free

sudoku new york times There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers.

sudoku new york times The Benefits of Playing Sudoku Daily

step by step how to solve sudoku

sudoku new york times Advanced Sudoku solving methods involve complex patterns like X-Wing, Swordfish, and XY-Wing. These techniques are often required for hard and expert level puzzles. number games similar to sudoku Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. naked pair sudoku The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction.

sudoku new york times Advanced Sudoku Solving Techniques

sunday times sudoku

sudoku new york times Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. pocket sudoku Sudoku competitions are held globally, where speed solvers compete to finish complex grids in the shortest time possible. hardest sudoku Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. where can i buy sudoku books To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement.

sudoku new york times History of the Sudoku Puzzle

sudoku game 4x4

sudoku new york times Modern Sudoku was popularized by Nikoli in Japan in the 1980s. It has since become a global phenomenon, with daily puzzles appearing in newspapers and online platforms worldwide. sudoku game 6x6 Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. sudoku logical reasoning skills Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. sudoku logical reasoning skills There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers.

sudoku new york times Common Sudoku Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

4x4 sudoku for kids

sudoku new york times To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. sudoku 247 ex The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction. will shortz sudoku Sudoku is a logic-based, combinatorial number-placement puzzle. The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids contain all of the digits from 1 to 9. killer sudoku solutions Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. nytimes medium sudoku There are several difficulty levels in Sudoku, ranging from easy for beginners to expert for seasoned players. Solving techniques include scanning, cross-hatching, and identifying candidate numbers.

sudoku new york times How to Solve Hard Sudoku Puzzles Step by Step

sudoku puzzles for kids

sudoku new york times Playing Sudoku daily has many cognitive benefits, including improving memory, concentration, and logical reasoning skills. It is a great way to keep the brain active and healthy. triples sudoku To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. sudoku puzzle print Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version.

sudoku new york times The Benefits of Playing Sudoku Daily

how many sudoku puzzles are there

sudoku new york times Sudoku competitions are held globally, where speed solvers compete to finish complex grids in the shortest time possible. samarai sudoku Sudoku competitions are held globally, where speed solvers compete to finish complex grids in the shortest time possible.

sudoku new york times Basic Sudoku Rules for Beginners

color sudoku

sudoku new york times Sudoku variants like Killer Sudoku, Jigsaw Sudoku, and Sudoku-X provide additional challenges for players looking for something different from the classic version. 2x2 sudoku Advanced Sudoku solving methods involve complex patterns like X-Wing, Swordfish, and XY-Wing. These techniques are often required for hard and expert level puzzles. latimes games sudoku The rules of Sudoku are simple but the depth of the game is immense. Every well-posed Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached through logical deduction. sudoku strategy advanced To solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must look for cells where only one number is possible, or rows/columns/blocks where a specific number has only one possible placement. sudoku strategy advanced Sudoku competitions are held globally, where speed solvers compete to finish complex grids in the shortest time possible.
sudoku mood sudoku 247 expert memorial day nyt sudoku medium answers today killer sudoku hard sudoku au Basic Sudoku Logic Hard Sudoku Puzzles Killer Sudoku Puzzles Sudoku Hidden Method Killer Sums Medium Advanced Sudoku Mode Sudoku Instructions