Sudoku Showdown

Daily sudoku tournament · 9:00 AM ET

Getting today's board…

How the daily sudoku tournament works

Everyone in the world plays the same expert sudoku, starting at the same moment. The longer you wait, the easier it gets, and the slower your time. You get one submission.

  1. The puzzle goes live

    Everyone gets the same board at once. Your clock starts now, whether you're playing or not.

  2. A number is revealed every hour

    One correct number appears in red each hour, 12 in all. Each one makes the puzzle easier while your clock keeps running.

  3. Submit once

    Fill every cell, then lock in your answer. There's no checking as you go, and no second try.

  4. Submissions close

    The fastest correct solve wins the day. Any mistake and you're busted.

Questions

Is it free?

Yes. It runs in your browser with no download or account. Sign in with Google only if you want your name and results on more than one device.

How hard is the puzzle?

Every puzzle is expert level: 22 to 25 starting numbers, exactly one solution, and solvable by logic alone, so no guessing is ever needed.

Do I have to start at 9:00 AM?

No, but your time is always measured from 9:00 AM ET. Starting late costs you time, and waiting gets you more revealed numbers. Choosing when to go is part of the game.

What if I submit a wrong answer?

You're busted for the day. You can keep watching the reveals, and a new puzzle starts tomorrow at 9:00 AM ET.

What do the colors on the board mean?

Black numbers are the starting clues. Red numbers with a dot are reveals. Blue numbers are yours, and they're the only ones you can change.