Solving routine

Scanning

Use a calm repeatable scan instead of jumping randomly around the board.

What it means

Scanning means checking the grid in an ordered way. It helps beginners find more moves while reducing mistakes and repeated checks.

How to use it

  1. Pick one number, such as 5.
  2. Check every 3x3 box that does not contain it.
  3. Use existing rows and columns to locate where that number can fit.

Practice this lesson

Read the full worked example, then open a live puzzle and look for the same pattern.

Full examplePractice Sudoku