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Mini Sudoku · 12

Mini Sudoku · 12: a 4×4 Sudoku with 4 clues and one solution. Play online, use pencil notes and hints, or compare the complete answer.

0 plies4×4

Use rows and columns: R1C1 is row 1, column 1. Enter digits inside the squares.

Read the position, one decision at a time

Follow the deductions in order. Each step uses the grid after the preceding entry.

Reveal step-by-step explanations

Deduction 1: R1C1 = 3

After the preceding deductions, row 1, column 1 has only candidate 3. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 3, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.

Check the existing digits: row 1: 1, 4; column 1: 2; box: 4. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.

Deduction 2: R1C4 = 2

After the preceding deductions, row 1, column 4 has only candidate 2. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 2, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.

Check the existing digits: row 1: 1, 3, 4; column 4: 1; box: 1. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.

Deduction 3: R2C1 = 1

After the preceding deductions, row 2, column 1 has only candidate 1. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 1, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.

Check the existing digits: row 2: none; column 1: 2, 3; box: 3, 4. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.

Deduction 4: R2C2 = 2

After the preceding deductions, row 2, column 2 has only candidate 2. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 2, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.

Check the existing digits: row 2: 1; column 2: 4; box: 1, 3, 4. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.

Continue with the learning path →

Understand this position

4×4 grid · 2×2 boxes · 4 clues · 12 empty cells

Start by inspecting row 1, column 1. From the starting grid, its legal candidates are 3. Check the filled digits in that row, column and box before entering a number. Only one candidate remains: this is a naked single.

Read the complete answer by row

3 · 4 · 1 · 2
1 · 2 · 3 · 4
4 · 1 · 2 · 3
2 · 3 · 4 · 1

Read the rules with worked examples →