Sudoku tips for beginners
Every Calm Sudoku puzzle can be solved without guessing. These techniques, from simplest to a little harder, are all you need for Easy and Medium puzzles.
1. Scan one number at a time
Choose a number that already appears many times on the board. For each box missing that number, cross off the rows and columns where it already appears. Often only one square is left.
2. Look for the last empty square
If a row, column or box has eight numbers filled in, the last square is easy — it is the one number still missing.
3. Find squares with only one choice
Pick an empty square and check its row, column and box. If eight different numbers are already there, only one number can go in the square.
4. Use notes when it gets busy
On harder puzzles, turn on Notes and write the possible numbers in a few squares. When a square is down to one note, that is your answer. Remember to update notes when you place a number nearby.
5. Spot pairs
If two squares in the same row can each only be 3 or 7, then 3 and 7 must go in those two squares. You can remove 3 and 7 from the notes in the rest of that row.
6. Work where the board is crowded
Rows, columns and boxes that are nearly full give answers fastest. Start there, and each new number opens up more.
7. Don't guess
If you are not sure, leave the square empty and look elsewhere. A guess that turns out wrong can cause confusing mistakes later.
8. Use Hint to learn
Calm Sudoku's hint explains why a number goes where it does. Reading those explanations is one of the quickest ways to pick up new techniques.
New to Sudoku? Start with how to play.