How to play Dot Sudoku
A sudoku where white dots join consecutive numbers, black dots join a number and its double, and no dot means neither. Also known as Consecutive and double dots.
The rules
- Every row, column and outlined box contains each number exactly once (1–6 or 1–9).
- A white dot between two squares means their numbers differ by exactly 1.
- A black dot means one number is exactly double the other.
- Every dot is shown: two neighbours with no dot are neither consecutive nor double. (1 and 2 are both, so either dot can join them.)
Playing Dot Sudoku on Puzzle Solvers
- Choose a 6×6 or 9×9 grid and a difficulty, then press New Puzzle.
- Every row, column and outlined box contains each number once.
- A white dot between two squares: their numbers differ by 1. A black dot: one is double the other. No dot: neither.
- Tap a square and type (or use the pad). Hint explains the next number using the dots and the sudoku rules.
A worked example
Two squares share a black dot, and one of them is in a row that already has 2, 4 and 6. Its partner must make a doubling pair, so it can only be 1 or 3.
If that row also has 1, it must be 3 — and its black-dot partner is 6.
Strategies
- Black dot pairs. Only 1–2, 2–4, 3–6 and 4–8 can share a black dot. Squares next to a black dot can’t be 5, 7 or 9.
- White dot ends. Next to a white dot, a 1 needs a 2 and a 9 needs an 8.
- Use the missing dots. No dot next to a 4 means the neighbour isn’t 3, 5, 2 or 8.
- Chains of dots. Three squares joined by two white dots hold three consecutive numbers.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the no-dot rule — it is a powerful clue.
- Thinking a white dot means the bigger number is on the right — it can be either way round.
Where it comes from
Sudoku with consecutive and double dots is a popular variant, known by several names. This version shows every dot, so every puzzle has exactly one answer.
Frequently asked questions
What about 1 and 2?
They are consecutive and double, so either a white or a black dot may join them.
Are all the dots shown?
Yes — so two neighbours without a dot are neither consecutive nor double.
Is there always one answer?
Yes — every puzzle is checked so that logic reaches the unique answer.
Keep going
- Play Dot Sudokua fresh puzzle every time
- Sudoku VariantsClassic sudoku — every row, column and box holds each digit once — plus one…
- Shape SudokuFill the grid so every row, column and box has each shape exactly once.
- KakurasuShade squares so each row and column adds up to its total — a shaded square…
All guides: How to play every puzzle and game.