Sudoku Techniques
Every Sudoku puzzle can be solved with pure logic — no guessing. What matters is knowing which technique to apply when. Below, each one is explained step by step, with examples and the reasoning behind it.
New here? Start with Naked Singles and Hidden Singles. They will get you through any Easy and most Medium puzzles. For a guided walkthrough, read How to Solve Sudoku for Beginners.
Playing Killer Sudoku? See the Killer Sudoku rules and strategies.
Beginner2
Intermediate4
Naked Pair
Two cells in the same unit sharing exactly two candidates — locked together.
Hidden Pair
Two digits restricted to exactly two cells in a unit, hidden among other candidates.
Pointing Pair
When a digit in a 3x3 box can only go in one row or column — it points outward.
Box-Line Reduction
The mirror of Pointing Pairs — when a row or column claims a digit for a single box.