Classic Killer Rules Articles
Back to Articles

Killer Sudoku Strategies

Killer Sudoku Strategies

Understanding the 45 Rule

Killer Sudoku combines logic with arithmetic. The most powerful technique is the 45 rule.

What is the 45 Rule?

Every row, column, and 3x3 box contains numbers 1-9, which sum to 45.

How to Apply

1. Find cages that almost complete a unit
2. Calculate the difference from 45
3. This tells you what remains

Example

If a row has cages summing to 42, the remaining cells must sum to 3.