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Grafite Sudoku

Printable Hard Sudoku #1

24 given numbers, hard level. At some point you need techniques beyond singles: write pencil marks.

Hard Sudoku #1: 24 given numbers
123456789
1435
212
3365
4294
546
6973
7132
827
9873

Print on A4 or Letter paper without resizing. The solution is on page 2.

Show the solution
Solution to Hard Sudoku #1
123456789
1729864135
2518237469
3436519782
4257693814
5384125697
6961478253
7695741328
8143982576
9872356941

Where to start

Look at row 1, column 1: only one number fits there.

The rules

Every row, every column and every 3×3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9, each exactly once.

Tips for solving it

  • Fill in candidates for the whole grid before hunting for techniques: with few clues you need all of them.
  • Look for hidden pairs: two numbers that have only the same two spots in a row.
  • If a number has only two spots in two rows, in the same two columns, that is an X-Wing: remove it from the rest of those columns.
  • Take a break when you are stuck: the right step often shows up when you come back with fresh eyes.