What is NYT Sudoku?
Sudoku needs little introduction: a nine-by-nine grid where every row, every column and every three-by-three box must contain the numbers one to nine exactly once. Some numbers are filled in from the start, and you deduce the rest. The New York Times publishes a new set every day in three difficulty levels, from a gentle easy puzzle to a hard one that needs more advanced techniques. The puzzles are made to be solved with logic alone, no guessing required. Helpful tools such as pencil marks for candidate numbers make it comfortable to play on a phone. It is a timeless choice for anyone who likes number logic, and a good way to keep your brain sharp with a coffee. One difficulty level each day is free to play, while the full set is part of the New York Times Games subscription.
How to play
- Fill each empty square with a number from one to nine.
- Every row, column and three-by-three box must contain each number exactly once.
- Use pencil marks to note possible numbers while you work it out.
Quick facts
- Typical time
- 5–30 min · depending on the level
- Difficulty
- Easy to hard · you choose
- Price
- Free with limits. The full daily set is part of the New York Times Games subscription.
- Account
- Not needed to play.
- Past puzzles
- No. The Times keeps archives for its word games and crosswords, but not for this one.
- On a phone
- In the browser, or in the NYT Games app for iPhone and Android.
- Levels
- Easy, medium and hard, new every day.
Tips to get better
- Start where the grid is fullest. Rows, columns and boxes with the most numbers filled in have the fewest options left.
- Cross-hatch. Pick a number and a box where it's missing. Rule out the rows and columns that already contain it. Often only one square in the box is left.
- Look for the only home. A square may have several possible numbers, but if it's the only square in its box that can take a 9, it's a 9.
- Use candidate mode on medium and hard. Note the small numbers in each square. Harder puzzles are close to impossible to hold in your head.
- Spot the pairs. If two squares in a row can each only be 4 or 7, no other square in that row can be 4 or 7. This one technique unlocks most medium puzzles.
- Never guess. Every puzzle can be solved by logic. A guess that goes wrong can cost you ten minutes of untangling.
Who it's for
The classic, for people who want a calm, absorbing puzzle and aren't in a rush. Three levels mean beginners and experts are both looked after, and the hard puzzle is properly hard. It's the least 'daily game' of the daily games: there's no twist and not much to share afterwards. If a full grid feels too long, Mini Sudoku takes two minutes.
