How to Play Classic Sudoku

THE PLAYBOOK · SSNHJ

How to play Classic Sudoku

Take a moment with Classic Sudoku before moving to another game. Fill all cells with 1–9; do not repeat a symbol in any row, column or region. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Fill all cells with 1–9; do not repeat a symbol in any row, column or region. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Step by step

1. Select an empty cell. The original clues cannot be edited.
2. Choose a symbol from the number pad, or type it on a keyboard.
3. Turn Notes on to record candidate symbols without committing an answer.
4. Use Check entries to check your filled values. Hint reveals one value from the verified solution.
5. Complete the board, or choose New puzzle for another board.

Controls

Tap or click a cell and use the number pad. Keyboard: arrows select cells; digits (and A–G on 16×16) enter values; Backspace erases. Use the control method described here for this activity. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

A useful example

On one puzzle in this collection, row 1, column 1 has 9 in its solution. Read the clues on your current board before using that value; another puzzle can need a different entry. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Choose a deliberate next step.

Watch out for this

Notes are reminders, not final entries. A full board only counts as complete when it satisfies every rule. Check the rule before repeating the action. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

Common questions