Puzzles · SAGEWELLS EDITORIAL
Your first sudoku starts with one square
You do not need to guess. Begin with the rules, slow down, and look for one small certainty.
In a standard sudoku, the grid has nine rows, nine columns, and nine smaller three-by-three boxes. Fill the empty squares with the digits 1 to 9 so that each digit appears once in every row, column, and box.
Start with a row, column, or box that already contains several numbers. Write down the missing digits. For each empty square, check which of those digits are already present in its column, row, and box.
Imagine a row is missing only 2 and 7. If the column through one empty square already contains a 7, that square must be 2. The remaining empty square in the row is then 7. Each confirmed digit can reveal another small step.
Use light pencil marks for possibilities, and keep them distinct from confirmed answers. After placing a number, revisit the nearby rows, columns, and boxes to update your notes.
If you get stuck, move to another part of the grid or take a break. Choose a beginner puzzle while learning the rules. More difficult grids can require techniques beyond simple elimination; guessing is not a useful first habit.
On the bookshelf.
Amazon.co.uk prices checked 15 October 2026. Check Amazon for the latest prices and availability.
Find your next little discovery.
Explore this shelf →