If numbers make you nervous, don’t let Sudoku scare you away. This popular puzzle isn’t about math. It’s about logic, observation and figuring out where each number belongs.

Sudoku is part of KnoxTNToday’s 865 Puzzles collection, with three levels of difficulty — Easy, Medium and Hard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced puzzle solver, there’s a challenge waiting for you.

And the best part? You don’t have to be good at math. You just need to know the numbers 1 through 9.

Watch how to play Sudoku

In this demonstration, I’ll show you how to find Sudoku on KnoxTNToday, choose a difficulty level and begin filling in the puzzle.

Getting started

Step 1: Find the game. Visit KnoxTNToday.com and select 865 Puzzles from the navigation menu between Columns and Obits. Choose Easy Sudoku, Medium Sudoku or Hard Sudoku. If you’re new to the game, start with Easy.

Step 2: Understand the board. A standard Sudoku puzzle contains 81 squares arranged in nine rows and nine columns. The board is also divided into nine smaller boxes, each containing nine squares.

Some squares already have numbers. These are your starting clues and cannot be changed.

Step 3: Learn the three rules. Your goal is to fill every empty square with a number from 1 through 9. Each number must appear exactly once in:

  • Every horizontal row.
  • Every vertical column.
  • Every 3-by-3 box.

That means no repeating a number within the same row, column or box.

Step 4: Look for an easy opening. Find a row, column or box that already contains several numbers. Determine which numbers are missing.

For example, if a row contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the remaining empty square must contain 9 — provided it also fits the column and box.

Step 5: Enter a number. Click or tap the empty square where you want to place a number. Select the number using the on-screen number pad or your keyboard, depending on your device.

Step 6: Use the Notes feature. If you’re not certain which number belongs in a square, use Notes to record possible answers. These are temporary reminders, not final answers.

Step 7: Correct mistakes. Select a square you’ve filled and use Erase to remove an entry if you change your mind. The original clue numbers remain fixed.

Step 8: Finish the puzzle. Continue using the numbers already on the board and the numbers you’ve correctly placed. When every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition, you’ve solved Sudoku.

Tips to make Sudoku easier

Start where the most numbers are filled in. A nearly completed row, column or box usually provides the easiest clues.

Look at all three directions. Before entering a number, check its row, column and smaller box.

Use Notes instead of guessing. Recording possible numbers helps you eliminate choices as the puzzle develops.

Take your time. Sudoku is about reasoning, not racing. If you get stuck, move to another part of the board and return later.

Ready to try?

Visit KnoxTNToday, choose 865 Puzzles and start with Easy Sudoku. When you’re comfortable, move up to Medium or Hard.

Our 865 Puzzles collection is sponsored by Harrington Insurance Agency, helping bring a little fun and mental exercise to your day.

Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee, taking a lunch break or relaxing in the evening, Sudoku offers a satisfying challenge.

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