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How to play Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-placement puzzle: you use logic, with no arithmetic needed. Play the daily grid without an account, or sign in to compare results in a private group.
Fill every row, column and outlined 3×3 box with the numbers 1–9, without repeats. Select an editable square and choose a number from the puzzle keypad.
Play Sudoku →Example: narrow a square to one number
A fictional example, independent of today’s puzzle.
1. Imagine a row containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9, with two empty squares. The missing numbers are 6 and 8.
2. Look down the column of the first empty square. If that column already contains 8, the square cannot be 8. Its only remaining candidate is 6.
3. Check the square’s 3×3 box as well. If neither its column nor its box contains 6, place 6 there. The other empty square in the row must then be 8, provided its column and box also allow it.
4. If neither number is legal, revisit earlier entries. A placement must satisfy the row, column and box at the same time.
Solving tips
Start with the fullest areas
A row, column or box with one or two empty squares has fewer possibilities to compare. After each placement, scan the affected areas again.
Select a given number to follow its row
You can select any square, including a pre-filled one, to highlight its row and column. Given numbers stay fixed; select an empty or editable square before entering a number.
Look for the only possible position
Within a 3×3 box, pick a missing number and rule out squares whose rows or columns already contain it. If just one square remains, that is where the number belongs.
Scoring
Competition scoring: fastest time. Compare individual performances in your group’s results page, separately from medal standings.
A new puzzle every day
A new daily puzzle becomes available at midnight in America/New_York (Eastern Time, including daylight saving time). Everyone plays the same dated puzzle; refreshing or a website update does not create another set for that day.
Play without an account on this device, or sign in to sync completed-game checkmarks and join private competitions.