They occur when two cells in one row or column have solely two candidates and these are identical. Naked pairs are the most simple and easy ones to spot. Pairs are a set of Sudoku strategies for beginners that help to reduce the number of candidates in cells, rather than finding a solution. It is a hidden single, because numbers 5 and 9 are also candidates for its cell. In this example, number 7 only has one possible solution in the group in which it is inserted. In this case, the player can safely remove the remaining candidates and keep the solution. While naked singles refer to a cell with a single candidate, a hidden single occurs when one digit as only one possible position, even if it's mixed with other candidates in that cell. The player has thus found a naked single and can safely place number two.

However, when the player filled the candidates for each cell in that group, number 2 remained the single candidate for one. Number 2 has two possible solutions in the highlighted square and it is yet impossible to determine its position by solely crossing the information of rows and columns. There are still many uncertainties and many blank spaces The grid above is an example of a work in progress in Sudoku. If after taking note of every digit the player finds one cell with one single candidate (or a naked single), that will be the solution, regardless if that number is also a candidate in other cells within that group, row or column. The easiest way is to focus on each square of 3x3 at a time. To apply it, the player should note down every candidate for each individual cell. Naked singles have a high incidence in easy levels, which makes it ones of the most useful Sudoku strategies for beginners to learn. The only place left will then be occupied by number 6. However, crossing the information of the columns that connect to each blank cell reveals that number 1 only has one possible placement in the highlighted row. Numbers 1 and 6 are the only ones missing in the highlighted row, so the player can safely note them down as candidates for the two remaining blank cells. The next step will be to cross the information of rows, columns and the group the cell is inserted in to try to find the solution. This will allow the player to set candidates for each blank cell. CountingĬounting is a useful strategy when the player finds a row or column partially filled, with only 2 or 3 missing blank cells.Īs there cannot be any digits repeated per cell or column, the player only has to count the allocated numbers to find the missing ones. Number 2 unlocked to solution for the highlighted square. And by placing number 1, only one blank remains, the one to be occupied by number 6. Thus, now there is only one solution for this digit also. In the example above, the cell that number 2 took was one of the possibilities also for number 1. Note: Although it cannot be considered as part of Sudoku strategies for beginners, players should always pay careful attention to the grid’s evolution every time a new number is placed. The player can then safely fill the only blank space left with it. However, testing for number 2 reveals only one possible solution for this digit. Similarly, the 6 is present in one column connecting to the square, but once again it will only eliminate one possibility leaving this digit as a candidate to two cells. Crossing this information will still leave two possible places open for this digit, though. Two rows connecting to the main square contain the number 1. In the highlighted square, there are three empty spots to be filled with the missing numbers 1, 2 and 6. The next step will be to take every digit individually and cross the information of each row and column the other squares connecting to the one being analyzed. The player should focus on each square of 3x3 at a time and detect the missing numbers in them. CrosshatchingĬrosshatching is the first strategy any Sudoku player can apply when facing a Sudoku grid.

Fortunately, there are some Sudoku strategies for beginners that can help them find their way easily and to get used to the mechanics of the game. New players are thus bound to encounter difficulties filling the grid and should expect to do so. Nevertheless, these puzzles are designed to always be challenging, regardless of the level. Sudoku can look deceivingly easy to solve due to its simple and straightforward rules.

Sudoku strategy advanced for laypeople