Frequently asked questions
What is Sudoku?
Sudoku is a logic puzzle on a 9×9 grid. You fill empty cells with digits 1–9 so that every row, every column, and every 3×3 box contains each digit exactly once. It is not a math puzzle — no adding or multiplying — just deduction.
Is Daily Sudoku free?
Yes. Solo play is free and does not require an account. Leagues (private friend groups) need a free sign-in so standings and invites can work.
Do I need an account to play?
No for the main daily puzzles. Open the site, pick a difficulty, and play. Leagues are optional and use email sign-in on the Leagues page only.
How do daily puzzles work?
Each calendar day has one puzzle per difficulty level: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert. Everyone who opens that day’s puzzle gets the same grid for that tier. A new set arrives at midnight in your local date when you load the page.
Can I play previous days?
Yes. Use Previous days on the play page to browse roughly the last 90 days. Each day includes all four difficulties.
Where is my progress saved?
Solo progress (board, timer, notes, mistakes) is stored in your browser’s local storage on this device. It is not uploaded to a server unless you use Leagues. Clearing site data or switching browsers starts fresh.
What is Mini Sudoku?
Mini 6×6 is one lighter daily grid (digits 1–6, 2×3 boxes) — no Easy/Medium/Hard/Expert split. Classic 9×9 still has four difficulties and archives. Leagues use classic 9×9 only.
What do the difficulty labels mean?
Labels reflect the hardest solving technique you need, not just how many cells are blank. Easy uses basic singles; Medium adds pairs; Hard often needs an X-wing; Expert goes further. See How to play for detail.
How do hints and mistakes work?
Hints explain the next logical step. Wrong entries count toward three mistakes; you can keep fixing cells or reset the tier. The timer runs until you finish or lock the board.
What are Leagues?
Leagues are invite-only groups of up to five people. You pick one difficulty for the league; every member races that same tier’s daily puzzle. Standings cover today and past days, plus a two-week performance comparison. From a league page, tap Play today’s league puzzle to open the matching grid.
On the Leagues page, use Create account (email + password) if you’re new — including when a friend sends an invite link. Optional magic-link email sign-in is also available.
Does league play use the same puzzle as solo?
Yes — the league’s locked difficulty uses the same daily puzzle as solo play for that day. When you finish from Play today’s league puzzle, your time is saved to today’s standings (after you’re signed in). League time uses the race clock from when you tapped Play, capped by the board timer.
Is there advertising?
The play page may show Google AdSense display ads, kept clear of the number pad and grid. In the UK and EEA, Google’s Privacy & messaging tool handles advertising consent. Details are in our privacy policy.
Who runs this site?
An independent daily Sudoku project focused on clean play and fair difficulty. Read more on About or email pauledwardround@gmail.com.
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