Learn the Basic Rules of Sudoku and How to Play for Beginners
A detailed guide to help you quickly get familiar with this logical number puzzle.
Sudoku is a globally popular brain game, known for its logical structure and the intrigue hidden in every square. If you’re just starting out, let’s explore the basic rules of Sudoku so you can approach the game with ease and train your brain more effectively.
What Are the Basic Rules of Sudoku?
What is Sudoku?
Sudoku is a logic-based number placement game that doesn’t require advanced math skills or calculations. Players fill the numbers 1 through 9 into the empty cells of a 9×9 Sudoku grid while following a set of specific rules.
Standard Sudoku Grid Structure
Before learning the rules, it’s important to understand the board layout:
9 horizontal rows (from Row 1 to Row 9)
9 vertical columns (from Column A to Column I)
9 smaller 3×3 regions (often called boxes or blocks)
Each Sudoku puzzle comes with a few pre-filled numbers. Your task is to fill in the remaining numbers while obeying the rules.
Basic Sudoku Rules
Each row:
Must contain all digits from 1 to 9 with no repetition.
Each column:
Must also contain all digits from 1 to 9 without duplication.
Each 3×3 box:
Must contain all digits from 1 to 9 with no repeats.
Important notes:
Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3×3 box.
The order of placement doesn’t matter, as long as all conditions are met.
Tips for Beginners
Start with the fullest rows, columns, or boxes: Find the ones with the most numbers filled in to more easily deduce the missing ones.
Use the elimination method: Identify where certain numbers cannot be placed, then determine the correct spot by process of elimination.
Take your time: Sudoku is a mental exercise—stay patient and focused.
Understanding the basic rules of Sudoku will make it easier to approach and solve puzzles logically. Start with simple boards for practice, then gradually increase the difficulty to develop your strategic thinking.
Now that you know the fundamentals, visit the Sudoku game and challenge yourself with exciting puzzles!
