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.

Easy sudoku for beginners printable