How to Play Sudoku

You are here: LearnPlayWin.net > Sudoku > How to play

Guide to online games, for beginners and advanced players

Sudoku guide: Overview | How to play | Where to play | Tips for winning

Sudoku: How to play

The object of sudoku is to complete the puzzle so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear in each row, column and 3x3 box.

The same number must never appear twice in the same row, column or box.

The numbers can appear in any order.

Don't worry about the diagonals - they are not used in sudoku.

Each puzzle starts with some numbers already filled in to get you started. These numbers are called "givens". You can't change the given numbers.

Sudoku puzzles always have only one solution.

GAME VARIATIONS

Although sudoku is typically played on a 9x9 grid, different sizes of sudoku are available. For example, sudoku for kids is often played on a 4x4 grid. Some advanced players like to challenge themselves with monster sudoku played on a 12x12 grid using the numbers 1 to 9 and the letters A,B and C.

VIDEO EXAMPLE

The video below, designed for beginners, demonstrates the basic methods used to solve a sudoku puzzle.