Sudoku Strategy: Naked Singles
Naked Singles are the most basic and reliable strategy in Sudoku. A cell is a Naked Single when, after eliminating possibilities, only one number can logically go there.
How It Works
Every Sudoku cell starts with 1–9 as potential options. As you fill in numbers around it (in the same row, column, and box), some possibilities are eliminated. If just one number remains, it's a Naked Single — and it's guaranteed to be correct.
Example
Imagine a cell where 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are already present in its row/column/box. That leaves only 4 as a valid option. That cell is a Naked Single — place the 4.
When to Use It
- Best in easy or medium puzzles
- Often used as a starting move
Practice Naked Singles
Next up: Try the Hidden Singles strategy.