Introduction
Sudoku is a number-placement puzzle where you fill a 9x9 grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. No math is required — just logic and patience. Whether you're solving your first Easy puzzle or tackling Expert grids on PlayMore.gg, these techniques will help you solve faster and more consistently.
Start with Scanning
The most basic technique is scanning — looking at each row, column, and box to find cells where only one number can fit. Start by scanning for numbers that already appear frequently in the puzzle. If 7 appears in six of the nine rows, the remaining three rows have limited options for placing their 7s.
Scan horizontally, then vertically, then by box. Repeat this process and you'll fill in several cells quickly.
Use Pencil Marks
Pencil marks (also called candidates or notes) are small numbers you write in empty cells to track which values are still possible. On PlayMore.gg, toggle pencil mode to jot down candidates. This is essential for Medium and harder puzzles where scanning alone won't solve everything.
Keep your pencil marks updated — when you place a number, immediately remove it from all pencil marks in the same row, column, and box.
Learn Naked Singles and Hidden Singles
A naked single is a cell with only one candidate left. If you've been maintaining pencil marks, these are easy to spot — just look for cells with a single small number.
A hidden single is a candidate that only appears once in a row, column, or box, even if the cell has multiple candidates. For example, if only one cell in a box can contain a 3, that cell must be 3 regardless of its other candidates.
Try Naked Pairs and Triples
When two cells in the same row, column, or box share the exact same two candidates (say 4 and 7), those two numbers must go in those two cells. This means you can eliminate 4 and 7 from all other cells in that group.
The same logic extends to triples — three cells sharing three candidates — and even quads. These techniques are crucial for Intermediate and Hard puzzles.
Pointing Pairs
If a candidate in a box is restricted to a single row or column, you can eliminate that candidate from the rest of that row or column outside the box. This is called a pointing pair (or pointing triple) and it bridges the gap between box-based and line-based logic.
Use the Hints Wisely
PlayMore.gg offers a hint system that reveals a cell's value. Hints reduce your score, so use them sparingly. A good approach: try every technique you know first, and only use a hint when you're completely stuck. Each hint is a learning opportunity — look at the revealed cell and try to figure out which technique would have found it.
Difficulty Strategies
- Easy: Scanning and naked singles are usually enough
- Medium: You'll need pencil marks and hidden singles
- Hard: Naked pairs, pointing pairs, and box-line reduction come into play
- Expert: May require X-Wings, Swordfish, or other advanced patterns
Save Your Progress
Sudoku puzzles on PlayMore.gg support save states. If you're working through a tough Expert puzzle, save your progress and come back later with fresh eyes. Sometimes a break is the best solving technique.
Play the Daily Challenge
The daily Sudoku challenge gives everyone the same Hard puzzle. Compare your solving time with other players to see how your technique stacks up. It's a great way to track your improvement over time.
Conclusion
Sudoku is a pure logic puzzle — every cell can be solved without guessing. If you feel stuck, you're missing a technique, not a lucky guess. Learn one new technique at a time, practice it until it becomes second nature, and you'll steadily climb through the difficulty levels.
Ready to exercise your logic skills? Play Sudoku on PlayMore.gg!