Read Our Unique Sudoku Scoring System Carefully before starting

We have designed this scoring system after watching 100+ players struggle. Here’s how the score wil be calculated and understanding this will help you to maximize points:

• Mistake Count: The mistake count increases every time you enter an incorrect number. Be careful! Mistakes deduct the score and more than 3 mistakes may result in losing the game.
• Streak Count: Starting from 0, the streak count increases when you enter consecutive correct numbers without making a mistake. The longer your streak, the higher your bonus points!
  Remember, every wrong input or mistake will set the Streak Count to Zero(0).
  
• For Every correct number input:
• 1. Easy: (10 + Streak Count * 5)
• 2. Medium: (15 + Streak Count * 10)
• 3. Hard: (20 + Streak Count * 15)
• 4. Extreme: (30 + Streak Count * 20)
• Row Completion Bonus: +50 (Easy), +75 (Medium), +100 (Hard), +150 (Extreme)
• Column Completion Bonus: +50 (Easy), +75 (Medium), +100 (Hard), +150 (Extreme)
• Grid Completion Bonus: +100 (Easy), +150 (Medium), +200 (Hard), +300 (Extreme)
• Time Bonus:
• 1. Finish in <10 mins: +100 (Easy), +150 (Medium), +200 (Hard), +300 (Extreme)
• 2. Finish in 10-20 mins: +50 (Easy), +75 (Medium), +100 (Hard), +150 (Extreme)
• 3. Finish in 20-30 mins: +20 (Easy), +30 (Medium), +50 (Hard), +75 (Extreme)
• 4. Finish in >30 mins: No bonus
• Incorrect Entry Penalty: -10 (Easy), -20 (Medium), -30 (Hard), -50 (Extreme)
• Hint Usage Penalty: -25 (Easy), -50 (Medium), -75 (Hard), -100 (Extreme)

Remember, every move counts, so think carefully before placing a number.

Love Sudoku? Solve Unlimited Free Puzzles—Any Time, Any Device!

Sudoku369 isn’t just another puzzle site. We’re a community of Sudoku lovers, from beginners to experts, all here to sharpen our minds and have fun. Whether you’re killing time on your commute or training for a tournament, our handcrafted 9x9 puzzles (with four devilish difficulty levels) will keep you hooked. Oh, and yes—you can print them too!

▦ Sudoku History

Fun fact: Sudoku didn’t start in Japan! It was a French invention in the 1800s (cough* ‘Number Place’ cough), but Japan turned it into a global craze. Now, it’s a daily ritual for millions—including us. We’ve obsessed over every pixel of this site to make it your go-to puzzle hub.

▦ How to Play?

New to Sudoku? Here’s the gist: Think, Calculate, and then enter the numbers between 1-9 within the empty cells, but don’t repeat digits in any row, column, or 3x3 box. Sounds simple? Wait till you hit our ‘Hard’ mode—where logic meets grit. Pro tip: Use the ‘Hint’ button sparingly (it costs points!), and watch your streak grow with every correct number.

▦ Why Players Choose Us?

There are some very simple rules to keep in mind while solving sudoku puzzles:

• How we test puzzles: Every grid from Easy to Extreme undergoes rigorous validation—our team lead jokes about solving them blindfolded (okay, not really), but we do algorithmically verify each puzzle. Unlike other generators that leave you guessing, ours guarantee one unique solution, the true mark of an authentic Sudoku.
• Smart Difficulty Levels: Our 'Extreme' mode is crafted by champion Sudoku solvers, including masters and grandmasters. Fair warning: It's brutally challenging—we've seen grown adults almost cry (just kidding... mostly).
• Play Anywhere: Save progress on your phone, then pick up later on your laptop.

▦ Stuck on a Puzzle? Try These Pro Tricks

Sudoku’s all about strategy, not guesswork. Here’s what the experts say:

• Start Slow, Then Ramp Up

  "New to Sudoku? Don't jump into 'Extreme' mode right away. Warm up with Easy puzzles to spot patterns—your brain will thank you later."

• Attack the Crowded Spots First

  "See a row or 3x3 box with 5+ numbers filled? That's low-hanging fruit! Cross-check missing digits to plug gaps fast."

• Play 'Detective' with Single-Slot Numbers

  "Scan each row/column for numbers that can only fit in one cell (e.g., if '7' is everywhere but one spot? Bingo!)."

• Eliminate the Impossible

  "Pencil in tiny notes for possible numbers in a cell, then wipe 'em out as you rule them out. Sherlock Holmes would approve."

• No Rush, No Penalty

  "Wrong guesses hurt your score. If you're stuck, step away for coffee—fresh eyes crack the toughest grids."

• Hints = Training Wheels (Use Wisely!)

  "That 'Hint' button's handy, but rely on it too much, and your score tanks. Save it for real head-scratchers!"

At Sudoku369.com, we make playing Sudoku easy and fun! You can print or download 9x9 Sudoku puzzles of any difficulty level with just one click. Plus, we have helpful features like undo, delete, and hints to guide you. Keep in mind, you can make up to three mistakes per game. So, challenge yourself, have fun, and become a Sudoku master!

Ready to test your brain? Dive into a puzzle now—it’s free, no login needed. Or print a batch for your next flight. Either way, we’re rooting for you!