How to Play Mini Sudoku

The rules

Playing the game

• Tap a cell, then a number to place it. Tap the same number again to clear it.
• The dark numbers are clues and can’t be changed.
• The selected cell’s row, column and box are shaded, and matching numbers light up.
• On a keyboard: 1–6, arrow keys, Backspace, N for notes, H for a hint and Ctrl or ⌘+Z to undo.

Tools

• Notes let you pencil in possible numbers.
• A number that repeats in a row, column or box turns red, with the number it clashes with.
• Hint fills in the selected cell, or the next one that needs it.
• Undo takes back any change, and Erase clears a cell.

Tips for solving

• Look for rows, columns or boxes with five numbers already: the sixth is the missing one.
• Pick a number and check each box: if it only fits one cell there, place it.
• Because boxes are only two rows tall, a number placed in a box rules out that row in the box next to it.
• Try Normal once Easy feels quick, then Hard for as few clues as possible.

Difficulty levels

• Easy: half the grid is given, and every step is a cell with one possible number.
• Normal: fewer clues. Sometimes a number has only one place left in a row, column or box.
• Hard: as few clues as the puzzle allows.
• Best times are kept separately for each difficulty.

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