Sudoku Download X-Sudoku PDFs
Each PDF contains diagonal sudoku puzzles — standard 9×9 grids where both main diagonals must also contain 1–9 — with complete solutions. Pick your difficulty!
X-Sudoku Easy
More givens and gentle diagonal logic — a smooth intro to X-sudoku on paper.
Download PDFX-Sudoku Medium
Fewer clues — diagonal scanning and cross-referencing become essential.
Download PDFX-Sudoku Hard
Sparse givens with tricky diagonal interactions — advanced techniques required.
Download PDFX-Sudoku Expert
The toughest diagonal puzzles — expert-level logic and deep deduction required!
Download PDFPrintable X-Sudoku: an elegant diagonal twist
X-Sudoku (also called diagonal sudoku) follows all standard 9×9 sudoku rules — each row, column, and 3×3 box must contain the digits 1–9 — plus one extra constraint: both main diagonals (corner to corner) must also contain each digit exactly once. This single addition creates a surprisingly different solving experience.
The diagonal constraint reduces the total number of valid completed grids dramatically. While there are about 6.67 sextillion valid standard sudoku grids, X-sudoku has far fewer — making each solution more constrained and each puzzle more tightly crafted.
📋 Why print X-sudoku?
- Easy to learn — If you know classic sudoku, you only need to remember one extra rule: diagonals count too.
- Stronger eliminations — The diagonal constraints create powerful cross-references, often breaking open puzzles faster.
- Paper-friendly — Many solvers like to shade or highlight the diagonals on paper for visual clarity.
- Varied difficulty — From easy puzzles with generous givens to fiendish grids requiring advanced techniques.
The centre cell (row 5, column 5) sits on both diagonals, all standard units, AND the centre box. This makes it one of the most constrained cells in any sudoku variant — often solvable very early.
🧠 Key strategies for X-sudoku
- Diagonal scanning — Treat each diagonal as an extra "row" when eliminating candidates. Any digit placed on a diagonal removes it from all other cells on that diagonal.
- Centre cell focus — The centre cell belongs to 4 units (row, column, box, and both diagonals). Solve it first when possible.
- Corner interactions — The four corner cells each belong to a diagonal plus their row, column, and box. These are high-constraint cells worth checking early.
These strategies complement classic sudoku techniques. If you enjoy X-sudoku, try killer sudoku for another constraint-based variant.
🎮 Play X-Sudoku Online
Can't wait for the printables? Play X-Sudoku online right now with diagonal highlighting and instant feedback. Or explore printable jigsaw sudoku for irregular regions.