LEARN TO SOLVE

Sudoku Strategies

Every technique you need, from your first Easy puzzle to Expert grids, with clear diagrams.

BEGINNER

Start here

Naked SinglesThe simplest way to place a digit: a cell where every other number is already taken.Hidden SinglesWhen a digit has only one possible home in a row, column, or box, it goes there.

INTERMEDIATE

Working with candidates

Naked PairsTwo cells, two candidates, no other option: those digits are locked, and the rest of the unit loses them.Hidden PairsWhen two digits share the same two possible cells, those cells belong to them.Pointing PairsIf a box can only place a digit on one line, the rest of that line cannot have it.Box-Line ReductionIf a row can only place a digit inside one box, the rest of that box cannot have it.

ADVANCED

For Expert puzzles

X-WingFour corners of a rectangle, one digit, and a powerful elimination across the grid.

KEEP PLAYING

More free Sudoku puzzles

Daily SudokuOne shared puzzle a day.Easy Sudoku43 clues, perfect to start.Medium Sudoku36 clues, room to think.Hard Sudoku30 clues, notes recommended.Expert SudokuAbout 25 clues, beyond singles.6×6 SudokuDigits 1 to 6, great for kids.Killer SudokuCages, sums, and pure logic.Sudoku SolverSolve any puzzle, step by step.Printable SudokuPrint or save as PDF.

GOOD TO KNOW

A little clarity
before you play.

The details, without the distractions.

Which Sudoku technique should I learn first?

Start with naked singles and hidden singles. Together they solve every Easy and Medium puzzle on Sudoku Prime.

Do I need advanced techniques to solve Sudoku?

Only for harder puzzles. Expert puzzles on Sudoku Prime always need at least one move beyond singles, such as a pointing pair or a naked pair.

Is guessing a valid Sudoku strategy?

A well-made Sudoku has exactly one solution and can be solved by logic alone. Guessing works, but it is slower and less satisfying than finding the next logical step.