Basic Sudoku Rules

Easy-to-understand rule explanations for first-time players

What is Sudoku?

Sudoku (Number Place) is a logic puzzle where you fill a 9×9 grid with numbers 1-9. Despite simple rules, it offers deep gameplay loved worldwide.

Three Basic Rules

1. Rows

Each row must contain numbers 1-9 exactly once. No duplicates allowed.

Row 1: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2. Columns

Each column must also contain numbers 1-9 exactly once. No duplicates allowed.

Column 1: 1→2→3→4→5→6→7→8→9

3. 3×3 Boxes

The 9×9 grid is divided into nine 3×3 boxes. Each box must contain numbers 1-9 exactly once.

Top-left box: 1,2,3 / 4,5,6 / 7,8,9

Grid Structure

A Sudoku grid consists of 81 cells (9×9). These are organized as:

  • 9 rows (horizontal lines)
  • 9 columns (vertical lines)
  • 9 boxes (3×3 regions)
  • Each cell belongs to one row, one column, and one box

How to Start

  1. 1.Some numbers are pre-filled as the puzzle
  2. 2.Fill empty cells following the rules
  3. 3.Complete when all cells are correctly filled
  4. 4.Every puzzle has exactly one solution

Tips for Beginners

  • 💡Start with easy puzzles (more pre-filled numbers)
  • 💡Fill in definite numbers first
  • 💡Use the notes feature to track candidates
  • 💡Don't worry about mistakes - you can always retry!