Download Article
Download Article
Sudoku helps kids sharpen their math and critical thinking skills, so if you’re looking to teach a child to solve these exciting puzzles, that’s amazing! For beginners and kids as young as 5 years old, 4x4 puzzles can be a great way to make Sudoku more accessible. Plus, when your little one is ready for more of a challenge, the same principles apply to the 6x6 and 9x9 Sudoku puzzles. For all the very best tips on how to teach a kid to play Sudoku, read on.
Steps
-
Solve 4x4 Sudoku puzzles using only the numbers 1-4. In a 4x4 Sudoku puzzle, answer every square with a whole number between 1 and 4. Examine the "clues" (or, the numbers provided by the puzzle). The clues will also always be a whole number between 1 and 4. [1] X Research source- For the 9x9 Sudoku puzzle, answers will be any number between 1 and 9.
-
Use each number just once in a single row. To solve a 4x4 puzzle, arrange the numbers so no number repeats itself in the same row. At the same time, ensure that every number is used at least once in each row. [2] X Research source- So for example, a row filled in with the sequence (1, 3, 1, 4) is incorrect—because it excludes 2 and repeats 1.
- The sequence (1, 3, 2, 4), though, works for a single row.
Advertisement -
Use each number once in a single column. Arrange numbers 1-4 in a single column to solve a 4x4 Sudoku puzzle. Ensure that in each column, every number is featured once. Double-check that no numbers repeat themselves in the same column. [3] X Research source- So, a possible row (4, 3, 1, 2) could intersect with a possible column (1, 3, 2, 4).
-
Use each number just once in a single square. In addition to rows and columns, there are also four boxes with four squares total in each. Within these squares, arrange the numbers 1-4 so that no number appears twice in the same box. Ensure that each number appears once in each box. [4] X Research source- So, if a box already contains three numbers (1, 3, 4), then the last square in the box has to be 2.
-
Solve the empty squares using the provided clues. Don't attempt to move or change the provided clues. Instead, use these numbers to solve for the puzzle's remaining squares. [5] X Research source -
Fill in every square to solve the puzzle. Every box, row, and column needs to be filled in completely. To ensure you have the correct solution, double-check that no numbers repeat themselves in a single box, row, or column. [6] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Use a pencil. Using a pencil instead of a pen allows you to simply erase any mistakes and try again. [7] X Research source -
Use the process of elimination. To find a square's answer, determine that it’s the only number that could possibly fit in that square. To do this, eliminate all of the other possible squares that a certain number could be placed in. Examine the number's position in other columns, rows, and boxes to shed light on which columns, rows, and boxes this number can't be included in again (without repeating itself). [8] X Research source -
Write possible answers in small letters in the squares’ upper corners. This step is optional, but moving on after narrowing down a number’s location to a few spaces can feel unsatisfying. So, feel free to leave yourself a note. If you determine that 4 has to fit in one of two squares in a given box, write the "4" in the top of both squares. [9] X Research source- This way, when you find out another number fits into one of the two boxes, you'll know that 4 has to solve for the remaining square.
- Not only will this help you solve the puzzle faster, but it’s likely to make the puzzle feel less frustrating, too.
-
Work through the entire puzzle systematically. There are tons of ways to solve a Sudoku puzzle, but you might appreciate an organized strategy. To ensure you're always making progress and avoiding going in circles, work through the puzzle one number at a time. Investigate all of the provided clues for a given number before moving on to another. [10] X Research source- For instance, go through every clue provided for the number 2. If you find any surefire answers, fill them in.
- Run through this process once or twice. When you've filled in a good number of squares, more obvious answers will start to crop up (like, for instance, the last remaining square in a box, column, or row).
-
Fill in numbers only when you know they’re correct. Avoid guessing, because this could definitely cause problems down the line. Instead, hold off on filling in an answer until you're entirely sure. [11] X Research source -
Keep working at it. At the beginning, kids may get frustrated when they feel like they’ve hit a dead end. Keep in mind that every puzzle has a solution, and there’s always a clue that you haven’t caught just yet. The challenge is what makes the puzzle so fun to solve! Keep your chin up, keep searching, and get creative. [12] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Find printable 4x4 Sudoku puzzles online. Or, buy 4x4 Sudoku books at bookstores or online.Thanks
- If the solver is ready for more challenging puzzles, move on to 6x6 puzzles or 9x9 puzzles. For both, the rules are the same. The only difference? More squares, boxes, and numbers in the puzzle!Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://sudoku.com/how-to-play/sudoku-rules-for-complete-beginners/
- ↑ https://sudoku.com/how-to-play/sudoku-rules-for-complete-beginners/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5EMrrpBIBJY?t=55
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5EMrrpBIBJY?t=55
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5EMrrpBIBJY?t=17
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5EMrrpBIBJY?t=66
- ↑ https://www.learn-sudoku.com/pencil-marks.html
- ↑ https://bestofsudoku.com/sudoku-strategy
- ↑ https://www.learn-sudoku.com/pencil-marks.html
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,428 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "It helped me understand more of the game. Now I feel like I'm better."
Advertisement
85%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"It helped me understand more of the game. Now I feel like I'm better."
