Sudoku-Y
SUDOKU · 1–9

6×6 Sudoku

Six digits and rectangular boxes: a step beyond the mini grid.

Stuck, or just getting started? Let’s practise ↓

No repeats in any row, column or box

Mistakes 0
00:00
Preparing your gameMedium

Use 1–9 to enter numbers
and arrow keys to select a cell

PLAY · NOTICE · TRY

One small move at a time.

Pick a step below. You can try, get it wrong and start again. Your saved game stays here.

  1. Start with one cellCheck a row, a column and a box.
  2. Spot the only choiceTry a Single before peeking at the answer.
  3. Let a pair help youTwo cells, two digits. What can go?
  4. Connect a box and a rowTry both directions, then change a condition.
Try 12 practice topics →Browse all techniques →Which board size should I try? →
A fresh perspective

Start with the row, column or box that has the most numbers
Fewer empty cells can make the next answer easier to spot

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6×6 Sudoku — rules and practice

This 36-cell puzzle uses 1–6 in every row, column and box without repetition. Sudoku-Y uses boxes two rows high and three columns wide. The thicker grid lines show their boundaries, so you can check the right set of six cells.

Check the box boundary first

After playing 9×9, it is easy to look for a 3×3 box out of habit. Each box here contains only six cells. Follow the thick lines before eliminating a candidate: a digit outside the box cannot rule out a candidate on the basis of that box alone.

Combine a row with a column

The sample row below is missing 2 and 5, but the row alone does not tell us which goes where. If the column crossing the first empty cell already contains 5, that cell must be 2. The other empty cell is then 5. Two constraints together establish the placement.

Use only the tools you need

Pencil notes help you keep track of alternatives without paper. Hints on this board explain basic deductions and explicitly label direct answer reveals when a short supported deduction is unavailable. The advanced technique scanner remains a Classic 9×9 feature.

Try a small example

Suppose the column crossing the first ? already contains 5. What fills the two gaps?

1?34?6
Show reasoning

The first gap is 2 and the second is 5. Those are the two missing row digits, and the column excludes 5 from the first gap. This is an original partial teaching scenario.

Common questions

Why do other sites show 3×2 boxes?

A 6×6 board can orient its rectangular boxes differently. Sudoku-Y uses two rows by three columns. Always follow the boundaries of the board you are playing.

Can I enter 7, 8 or 9?

No. This board uses only 1–6. The number pad changes to match the selected size.

Learn on your next puzzle

Original examples and explanations by Sudoku-Y. Editorial process and sources ·