"Last free cell" Sudoku Technique

The “Last Free Cell” Sudoku strategy should be the first technique beginners should learn. It is based on rules that no numbers should be duplicated in any 3×3 box, vertical column, or horizontal row. By quickly scanning each row, column and 3×3 box, players can quickly identify and place correct number placements.

If you now look at the below row example, you will notice that there is a single empty cell and a missing 7 in the row. By remembering that numbers 1-9 cannot be duplicated in any box, column or row, you can quickly use the last free cell strategy to locate easy moves that will help you progress quickly through the puzzle.