How to Play Sudoku for Beginners

Learn how to solve your first Sudoku puzzle using simple logic and patience with this step-by-step guide. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Understand the grid. Look at the big square, which is made of 81 smaller squares. These are divided into nine rows going across, nine columns going down, and nine smaller 3x3 boxes. Your goal is to fill every empty square with a number from 1 to 9.
2. Follow the three main rules. Every row must contain the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Every column must contain the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Every 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. No number can repeat in any row, column, or box.
3. Start with the easy spots. Look for a row, column, or 3x3 box that is almost full. If there is only one empty square left, count which number from 1 to 9 is missing and write it in that spot.
4. Use the process of elimination. If you are trying to find where a number goes in a row, look at the other columns. If a number already appears in a column, you know it cannot go in that column again. This helps you narrow down where a number must be placed.