Sudoku Strategy: Solve Puzzles Faster with Logic
Sudoku is a logic puzzle, not a guessing game. Every puzzle has a path to the solution if you know how to look for it. Here's the toolkit you need to find that path.
Scan Rows, Columns, and Boxes Together
Most people check one at a time. Pros scan three at once. When you place a number, immediately check which rows, columns, and boxes it affects; you'll spot placements you'd otherwise miss.
Naked Singles Are Free Wins
A naked single is when a cell has only one possible number left. These are guaranteed correct. Fill them in immediately. Each one you solve narrows down the possibilities for nearby cells.
Mark Candidates When You're Stuck
If you're stuck, try writing out all possible candidates for each cell; just note which numbers could go there. A hidden single: a number that can only go in one cell in a row, column, or box, will often jump out at you when you see the full picture.
When You're Stuck, Work the Boxes
Boxes (the 3x3 grids) are often easier to analyze than rows or columns because they're more compact. Check each box for numbers that are nearly complete; that's where the logic tends to be.
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