Sudoku for beginners

Start with one small decision on the grid. You do not need to understand every solving technique before trying a puzzle. This page helps you choose a format and organise your first attempt.

Choose how to start

• Learn with guidance: the interactive beginner course introduces the rules and lets you practise first moves.
• Try a full grid: open daily Sudoku and choose Easy in the difficulty control.
• Use a pencil: choose Easy printable puzzles. For more writing room, use one puzzle per sheet.

Understand the fixed clues

The starting digits are clues, not entries you can change. In classic Sudoku, every row, column and outlined 3-by-3 box must contain 1–9 once each. Read the quick rules explanation or keep the rules sheet beside your puzzle.

Choose one area to inspect

Find a row, column or box with few empty cells and list its missing digits. For each empty cell, check the crossing row, column and box. A number already used in any of them cannot go there. Enter a digit when you have a reason it must be correct; fitting without a duplicate is only a first check.

Use notes for uncertainty

Small candidate notes record possible digits. Keep them visually separate from final entries. You can start with one area, but remember that a partly filled set of notes does not list every possibility. Recheck it before treating a lone note as an answer.

If your first puzzle stalls

Pause and use the beginner checklist. The stuck guide helps you choose a next step. Needing a lesson or a second attempt is a reason to investigate, not to change a starting clue.

Decide what to practise next

After the session, note one move you understood and one question you still have. Repeat a comfortable level or try the flexible practice plan. There is no required finishing time before you can continue learning.