Samurai Sudoku

Solve five standard grids joined by four shared boxes.

Rules

The common Samurai layout has four outer 9 by 9 grids and one center grid. Each outer grid overlaps one corner box of the center. Every row, column and box within each constituent grid follows standard Sudoku rules. An overlap cell has one value shared by both grids.

A visual example

Samurai Sudoku example diagram — The diagram shows the five grids and the four shared 3 by 3 boxes. A digit placed in a shared cell constrains a row and column in each of the two grids, not just the grid you are currently solving.

How to start

Start where a grid offers a forced move, then transfer the consequences through its overlap. Recheck the center after progress in an outer grid and vice versa. Label the five grids in your notes so coordinates remain unambiguous.

A mistake to avoid

A long horizontal strip across the entire drawing is not one 21-cell Sudoku row. Apply row rules within each individual 9 by 9 grid. The diagram is a layout reference, not a playable puzzle or download.

Keep learning

Review the standard rules and worked solving techniques. Our daily game and printable packs use standard Sudoku rules; they do not play this variant.