Sudoku Basic Rules - A Complete Beginner's Guide

What is Sudoku?

Sudoku (Number Place) is a logic puzzle where you fill a 9x9 grid with numbers 1 through 9. No math is required - only logical thinking.

The Three Rules

Rule 1: Each row contains 1-9 exactly once

Every horizontal row must contain each digit from 1 to 9 without repetition.

Rule 2: Each column contains 1-9 exactly once

Every vertical column must also contain each digit from 1 to 9 without repetition.

Rule 3: Each 3x3 box contains 1-9 exactly once

Each of the nine 3x3 boxes outlined by thick borders must contain each digit from 1 to 9.

Getting Started

Begin with the "Naked Single" technique: if a cell can only contain one possible number (after eliminating numbers already in its row, column, and box), that number is the answer.