PIENSALIA / SUDOKU EDUCATION
How to Solve Sudoku: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Begin with a repeatable scan instead of guessing.
Level: Learn a practical step-by-step Sudoku solving process using candidates, singles, and logical deductions without guessing.
Prerequisites
Know the three Sudoku rules and keep candidates consistent across each row, column, and 3 × 3 box.
How to apply it
- Scan the relevant units and write only legal candidates.
- Compare the positions or candidates described by the technique.
- Make one justified placement or elimination.
- Update related notes and rescan for new singles.
Worked example
If a row is missing 2, 6, and 9, compare each empty cell with its column and box. When only one cell can contain 6, place it and rescan all three affected units.
Common mistakes
- Guessing before checking every related unit.
- Leaving stale candidates after a placement.
- Applying a pattern without verifying all of its positions.
When to use it
Use this workflow whenever the board stops yielding an obvious move.
Practice Sudoku
Apply this technique in a free puzzle without an account.