What is Sudoku?
Sudoku is a logic puzzle played on a 9×9 grid. Your goal is to fill every empty cell with a number from 1 to 9. No math is required: every move can be worked out by reasoning alone, which is why people of all ages enjoy it. Every puzzle on Wink Puzzle is generated to have exactly one solution, so you never need to guess.
Sudoku Rules
- Each row must contain the numbers 1–9 exactly once.
- Each column must contain the numbers 1–9 exactly once.
- Each 3×3 box (outlined in bold) must contain the numbers 1–9 exactly once.
- The numbers given at the start cannot be changed. Use them as clues to fill in the rest.
How to Play
Entering numbers
Tap or click an empty cell, then choose a number on the number pad. On a computer you can also use the number keys and arrow keys. A wrong number turns red and counts as a mistake. With the mistake limit on, the game ends after three mistakes, and you get one second chance to keep going.
Notes
Turn on Notes to pencil in small candidate numbers. When you place a correct number, matching notes in the same row, column and box are cleared for you (you can switch this off in Settings).
Hints and undo
Stuck? Hints don't just give you the answer, they explain it. The hint button highlights the box, row or column it used and tells you which technique it found, such as a "hidden single". If you have made a mistake, the first hint points it out for free. You get three hints per game, and Undo takes back your last move.
Auto notes
Tap Auto to fill every empty cell with all of its possible candidates at once. It saves a lot of time on Hard, Expert and Master puzzles. Like any other move, it can be undone.
Statistics and streaks
Tap the chart icon at the top to see how many puzzles you have played and solved at each level, your win rate, best and average times, and your Daily Puzzle streak.
Daily Puzzle
Every day there is one new puzzle that is the same for everyone. Solve it and compare your time with friends. Solve it on consecutive days to build a streak, shown with a 🔥 next to the Daily Puzzle button.
Difficulty Levels
| Level | Given numbers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | about 38 | First-time players |
| Medium | about 32 | Players who know the rules |
| Hard | about 28 | Players who use notes |
| Expert | about 25 | Players who know advanced techniques |
| Master | about 23 | The toughest challenge |
Tips for Beginners
1. Look for single candidates
For any empty cell, rule out every number already in its row, column and box. If only one number is left, that is the answer.
2. Find hidden singles
If a number (say, 7) can only go in one cell of a box, row or column, it belongs there, even if that cell has other candidates.
3. Start with the most common numbers
Numbers that already appear many times have few places left, so they are easier to place. You can turn on "Show remaining count" in Settings to see how many of each number are still missing.
4. Keep your notes complete
On Hard and above, noting every candidate makes patterns stand out, such as a naked pair: two cells in the same unit that share the same two candidates.
Learn Sudoku Strategies
Ready to move up a level? Our free guides explain each technique step by step with diagrams.
Puzzle Stories
FAQ
Is my game saved?
Yes. Your progress is saved in your browser automatically, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
No. Wink Puzzle is free and runs in any web browser on desktop, tablet or phone.
Does every puzzle have one solution?
Yes. Each puzzle is checked by a solver before you see it, so there is always exactly one correct answer and you never need to guess.
Can I turn off the sounds?
Yes. Tap the speaker icon at the top of the page, or press M on a keyboard. You can also switch sounds off in Settings.