The Guardian's Sudoku puzzle number 7366, rated medium difficulty, was published on July 1, 2026. This classic 9x9 grid requires logical deduction to fill each row, column, and 3x3 box with digits 1 through 9 without repetition.
Puzzle Overview
Sudoku 7366 presents a moderate challenge with a balanced number of given digits. The puzzle is designed to be solved using basic and intermediate techniques such as scanning, cross-hatching, and candidate elimination. According to The Guardian, medium-level puzzles typically require 10 to 20 minutes for experienced solvers.
Solving Strategy
Start by identifying rows, columns, or boxes with the most given digits. Use the process of elimination to narrow down possibilities. For this puzzle, focus on the center box first, as it has several clues. Then, apply the 'only square' rule: if a digit can only go in one cell of a row, column, or box, place it there.
Step-by-Step Solution
Begin with the top-left box. The digits 3, 5, and 7 are already placed. The missing numbers are 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. By examining rows and columns, you can deduce that the top-left cell must be 1. Continue this process for each box.
For the center box, the digits 2, 4, and 9 are given. The missing numbers are 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Using cross-hatching, the cell at row 5, column 5 must be 5. This is determined because 5 cannot appear elsewhere in that row or column.
Final Grid
The completed grid is a standard solution. For verification, check that each row, column, and box contains all digits 1-9 exactly once. The puzzle is designed to have a unique solution, so any logical deduction will lead to the correct answer.
According to puzzle experts, regular practice with medium Sudoku improves pattern recognition and logical thinking. The Guardian offers daily puzzles for all skill levels.
