Hard Sudoku
Hard puzzles start with about 29 givens and ask you to use real techniques. Singles still place most digits, but you'll need pairs and intersections to find them.
If Medium feels routine, this is the level that will make you better.
What to expect
- About 29 givens.
- Full notes are worth filling in early.
- Pointing pairs, naked pairs and hidden pairs come up regularly.
Techniques you'll use
Tips
- When stuck, go back down the ladder: look for singles you missed before hunting for pairs.
- Cells with exactly two candidates are where naked pairs hide.
- Open units with many empty cells are where hidden pairs hide.
FAQ
Do I need advanced techniques for hard sudoku?
You'll need intersections and pairs. X-wings and beyond are rare at this level.
Why does hard sudoku feel different in every app?
There is no standard. Each app rates puzzles its own way. Ours come from a large rated collection, with extra givens revealed on easier tiers.