Sudoku Rules

All you need to know to get started with your first Sudoku puzzle is covered in these 2 rules:

Rule Nr. 1

Use the numbers 1-9.

Rule Nr. 2

Do not repeat the numbers per row, column, or box.

That's it. The simplicity of its rules makes Sudoku quite appealing. It is quickly approachable to beginners while allowing for intricate depth for advanced players who want fierce challenges.

The Sudoku Board

Lets complete our understanding of Sudoku. You see the board here, the goal is to fill out all empty cells, while adhereing to the 2 rules above. Fill out each row, each column and each 3x3 box, such that every number from 1 to 9 only occurs once.

How to play Sudoku example. 1 must go in row 4, column 3, by scanning for number 1 in row 5 and row 6.

Good to know 💡

Good Sudokus can be solved without any guessing! If you are tempted to guess the value of a cell, you better move on and find a solvable cell. Guessing will become only necessary in very hard Sudokus. Hand-made Sudokus will usually also be solvable without guessing.

That's all you need to know to solve your first Sudoku puzzle. Get started with this Sudoku now - Game 1. I wish you happy solving and come back here if you want to learn more techniques.

Follow-Up Article

A great way to start your Sudoku journey is learning about the Scanning technique. In general solving techniques will help you solve Sudoku puzzles quicker and tackle harder ones.

How to Solve Sudoku Puzzles for Beginners

Learn how to play Sudoku. All you need to know to get started with playing your first game.