About Sudoku
What is Sudoku?
Sudoku is a logic-based number-placement puzzle. The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits from 1 to 9 so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids (also called "boxes" or "regions") contains all of the digits from 1 to 9 without repetition.
The puzzle setter provides a partially completed grid, which for a well-posed puzzle has a single unique solution. Sudoku puzzles come in various difficulty levels, from Easy (with more given numbers) to Professional (with fewer clues, requiring advanced solving techniques).
History of Sudoku
Latin Squares
Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler created "Latin Squares," a predecessor to Sudoku.
Number Place
American architect Howard Garns invented modern Sudoku, called "Number Place."
Birth of "Sudoku"
Nikoli published it in Japan, naming it "Sudoku" (数独) meaning "single number."
Global Launch
Wayne Gould's computer program brought Sudoku to The Times of London.
Worldwide Phenomenon
Sudoku became a global sensation, appearing in newspapers worldwide.
The Name
"Sudoku" is an abbreviation of the Japanese phrase "Sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru" (数字は独身に限る), which means "the digits must be single" or "the digits are limited to one occurrence."
Modern Popularity
Today, Sudoku is one of the most popular logic puzzles in the world. It has spawned numerous variations, competitions, and even world championships. The puzzle's appeal lies in its simple rules combined with deep logical complexity—easy to learn but challenging to master.
How to Play
The puzzle begins with some numbers already filled in (the "givens")
Fill in the empty cells with numbers from 1 to 9
Each row must contain the numbers 1-9 exactly once
Each column must contain the numbers 1-9 exactly once
Each 3×3 box must contain the numbers 1-9 exactly once
Use logic and deduction—no guessing required!
Ready to Play?
Test your logic skills and start solving puzzles now!
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