Expert Sukaku

2
9
8
7
3
5
6
4
1
3
4
5
9
6
1
8
2
7
7
1
6
8
2
4
9
5
3
8
5
3
4
1
2
7
9
6
4
6
9
5
8
7
1
3
2
1
7
2
3
9
6
5
8
4
5
2
7
6
4
8
3
1
9
6
3
4
1
5
9
2
7
8
9
8
1
2
7
3
4
6
5
Mistakes
0/3
Score
-
Time
00:00
Tap a number to eliminate it from selected cell
New Game
Progress0%
Expert · Sukaku All Sukaku →
How to play Sukaku
Every cell starts with a set of candidate digits shown as pencilmarks. Press a number to eliminate that candidate from the selected cell. When only one candidate remains, the digit is placed automatically. Cells showing a single large digit are fixed and cannot be modified. Standard Sudoku row, column, and box rules apply.

About Sukaku

Difficulty
★★★☆☆
3/5
Constraint Type
Pencilmark Elimination
Typical Givens
All candidates shown
Avg. Solve (Medium)
18 min

Sukaku (数角) is a Sudoku variant where instead of given digits, each cell is given a set of possible candidates. The solver must eliminate candidates using standard Sudoku logic until each cell has exactly one remaining candidate. Some Sukaku puzzles provide very sparse candidate sets (near-complete givens), while others provide full or nearly-full candidate lists, requiring advanced techniques to solve.

Solving Techniques

Technique Description Level
Candidate Scanning Start by scanning rows, columns, and boxes — any candidate appearing in only one cell in a group must be placed there. Beginner
Cross-Hatch Elimination When a digit is placed (or reduced to one candidate), eliminate it from all cells in the same row, column, and box. Beginner
Naked Singles A cell with only one remaining candidate is a naked single — the digit is forced. In Sukaku, this happens automatically when you eliminate down to one candidate. Intermediate
Hidden Singles A candidate that appears exactly once in a row, column, or box must be placed in that cell regardless of how many other candidates that cell shows. Intermediate
Pair Elimination Two cells in a group that share only the same two candidates form a naked pair — both candidates can be eliminated from all other cells in that group. Advanced

Average Solve Time by Difficulty

Easy
8 min
Medium
18 min
Hard
35 min
Expert
62 min

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I place a digit in Sukaku?
You eliminate wrong candidates by pressing the number buttons. When only one candidate remains, the digit is placed automatically.
Can I accidentally eliminate the correct digit?
Yes — if you eliminate the solution digit, it counts as a mistake. The candidate is still removed from the cell.