Easy Strategies for Sudoku Beginners
What Are Easy Strategies?
These are the starter moves every Sudoku player should know. They're simple, logic-based, and perfect for building confidence as you get going.
Most puzzles (especially at the easiest levels) can actually be solved using just these techniques.
1. Cross-Hatching
This is your go-to scanning move: focus on one 3×3 box and eliminate possibilities by looking at the intersecting rows and columns. If a number appears elsewhere in the row or column, you can cross it off inside the box.
"The very first technique to master is cross hatching… it's the basis for hidden singles and naked singles." said a seasoned player on r/sudoku.
2. Counting / Last-Remaining Cell (Full House)
When a row, column, or box has just one empty spot—or is only missing one number—it's often trivial to spot what goes there. Simply find the missing number and drop it in.
3. Naked Singles
These are the easiest: if a cell's pencil marks narrow it down to just one candidate, that's your number. No guessing needed, just pop it in! Learn more about Naked Singles.
4. Hidden Singles
Sometimes a digit is hidden in plain sight: it may appear as a candidate in multiple cells—but only one of those cells is valid for that row, column, or box. That's a hidden single, and it's ripe for placement. Master Hidden Singles.
5. Why These Matter
These techniques are not just beginner fodder—they build a reliable foundation. Cross‑hatching lets you systematically eliminate candidates; hidden and naked singles keep the puzzle moving forward. Most players agree: "these basics are the bread and butter of Sudoku".
Once you've mastered these, you'll be ready to tackle more advanced techniques like Naked Pairs and X-Wing.
6. Practice Tips
- Work box by box with cross‑hatching to pick off hidden singles early.
- Pencil in candidates and revisit filled-in ones—hidden or naked singles often appear later.
- Always re-scan after placing any digit—momentum is everything.
7. Wrap-Up
Easy strategies aren't just simple—they're powerful. Mastering them makes every other technique easier to spot, and turns Sudoku puzzles from daunting to doable. Once these clicks, you'll feel your solving rhythm come to life.
Ready to level up? Check out our complete strategy guide for intermediate and advanced techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest Sudoku strategies for beginners?
The easiest Sudoku strategies for beginners are: 1) Cross-hatching - focusing on one 3×3 box and eliminating possibilities by looking at intersecting rows and columns, 2) Counting/Last-remaining cell - finding missing numbers when a row, column, or box has just one empty spot, 3) Naked singles - identifying cells with only one candidate number remaining, and 4) Hidden singles - finding digits that can only go in one specific cell within a row, column, or box.
How do I use cross-hatching in Sudoku?
Cross-hatching involves focusing on one 3×3 box and systematically eliminating possibilities by examining the intersecting rows and columns. If a number appears elsewhere in a row or column, you can cross it off as a possibility inside the box. This technique helps you identify where specific numbers can and cannot be placed.
What's the difference between naked singles and hidden singles?
Naked singles are obvious - a cell has only one candidate number remaining. Hidden singles are more subtle - a digit can only appear in one specific cell within a row, column, or box, even though that cell may have multiple candidates penciled in. Hidden singles require scanning an entire unit to spot.
How often should I use these beginner strategies?
You should use these beginner strategies constantly throughout the puzzle. Cross-hatching should be your first move, then look for naked and hidden singles after every placement. These techniques are not just for the beginning - they're the foundation that makes every other strategy easier to spot.
Can I solve most easy Sudoku puzzles with just these strategies?
Yes, most easy-level Sudoku puzzles can be solved using just these four beginner strategies. They provide a reliable foundation and are often sufficient for puzzles rated as 'easy' or 'beginner' level. Mastering these techniques will prepare you for more advanced strategies.
Practice These Patterns
Ready for more advanced techniques? Try Naked Singles next.