How to Play Sudoku: Simple Steps to Start

What Exactly Is Sudoku?

At its core, Sudoku is a logic game played on a grid that’s nine squares by nine squares. Some numbers are already filled in when you start. Your job is to finish filling out the grid, using only the numbers 1 to 9.

The catch? Each number can appear just once in every row, every column, and each smaller 3x3 square.

The Only Rules You Need to Know

Each row must have the numbers 1 through 9, with no repeats

Every column also needs the numbers 1 through 9, no duplicates

Each of the smaller 3x3 boxes? Same thing— just 1 to 9 once each

There’s no need to do any math or calculations. All you need is attention and a little patience.

How Do You Actually Solve a Sudoku Puzzle?

Here’s how most people tackle a new Sudoku:

1. Hunt for the Obvious

Take a look at the grid. Are there any rows, columns, or boxes where there’s just one number missing? That’s usually the easiest place to start.

2. Eliminate the Impossible

Think through: if a 5 is already in this row, you can’t put another 5 there. Go box by box, looking for spots where only one number could possibly fit.

3. Leave Yourself Reminders

Write small numbers in the corners of blank squares (or use the note feature in a Sudoku app) to keep track of each square’s possible options.

4. Work Your Way Around

Keep circling through the grid, updating your options every time you fill in a square. The more you solve, the easier other spots become. Patience is key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you’re learning Sudoku, it’s tempting to guess if you get stuck. Try not to! Guessing can trip you up, leading to mistakes that aren’t obvious until much later.

If you get stuck, take a break. When you come back, something new might jump out at you right away.

A Real Example

Let’s say you spot a column where the numbers 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are already filled in. If you’re missing only a couple of numbers (maybe 1 and 6), see if those numbers already appear in the same row or box. If 6 is used in both, 1 must go in that cell.

Benefits of Playing Sudoku

For a lot of people, Sudoku isn’t just a distraction for spare moments—it’s something they look forward to. It might seem simple, just placing numbers in a grid, but there’s a lot more happening below the surface. Let’s run through a few of the real-life perks people notice when they make Sudoku a regular habit.

1. Sharper Concentration

If you’ve ever struggled to stay focused on a task, you’re not alone. Sudoku is great “focus practice.” Since you need to remember which numbers are already in play—and be careful not to repeat any—you naturally become more attentive to details. Many people find that, over time, their ability to zero in on other activities gets noticeably better, just from a few puzzles each week.

2. Clearer Thinking

People who do puzzles have brain function equivalent to 10 years younger than their age, according to the study tests (https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can-sudoku-actually-keep-your-mind-sharp). Sudoku quietly trains you to look for patterns and think logically. When you’re searching for the right number for a square, you aren’t guessing; you’re ruling out what doesn’t fit, step by step. This kind of problem-solving is useful almost everywhere—at work, school, and even when you’re planning out your day.

3. Stress Relief

Believe it or not, there’s something downright relaxing about getting lost in a Sudoku. When you really sink into a puzzle, worries tend to fade into the background. There’s a calm satisfaction in ticking off each square, and finishing the grid honestly feels like a little victory.

4. Fun for Every Age

Sudoku doesn’t care how old you are or how much you know about math—everyone can jump in. You can start with very simple puzzles if you’re a beginner, or take on brain-bending advanced levels for a bigger challenge. Families, friends, and even classrooms regularly use Sudoku to bring all generations to the table.

Try More Brain Games and Tests on Our App

Think you’re ready to tackle Sudoku? Give it a shot—practice makes perfect! And if you enjoy brain teasers, we’ve got a whole pile of other games and tests to try. From brain games to personality tests, there’s something for everyone. Head over and see what catches your eye today!