Here's a step-by-step guide to solving Sudoku puzzles

Solving a Sudoku puzzle involves filling a 9x9 grid with numbers from 1 to 9 so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids (also called "regions") contains all of the digits from 1 to 9 without repetition.

Understand the Rules

Make sure you understand the basic rules of Sudoku mentioned above. Each row, column, and region must have the numbers 1 through 9 without repeats.

Start with What's Given

Look at the initial numbers already filled in the grid. These are your starting points. They're usually given in a way that allows you to make some easy deductions. Focus on these first.

Scan Rows and Columns

Look at each row and column to see if there are any numbers that can only go in one place. For example, if you notice that a number can only fit in a particular cell in a row or column, fill it in.

Scan Regions

Examine each 3x3 region to see if there are any numbers that can only go in one place within that region. This is similar to scanning rows and columns but within a smaller area.

Check for Naked Pairs and Triples

Sometimes, you'll find pairs or triples of numbers that can only go in a couple of cells in a row, column, or region. If you identify these, you can eliminate those numbers from other cells in that unit.

Use Cross-Hatching

This technique involves checking rows and columns that intersect a given cell. If a number can only go in one cell within a region and that region intersects with a row or column where the number is also missing, you can place the number in the intersecting cell.