The latest offering from The Guardian's popular puzzle section, Sudoku 7171, is proving to be a formidable test for even the most seasoned number-crunchers. Released for Friday, 10 January 2026, this expert-level grid has quickly gained a reputation for its intricate logic and demanding deductions.
A Notoriously Tough Grid
Classified under the expert difficulty tier, Sudoku 7171 lives up to its label. The puzzle presents a classic 9x9 grid, partially filled with given numbers known as "givens." The solver's task is to populate every empty cell with a number from 1 to 9, ensuring that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 sub-grids contains all digits exactly once. While the rules are simple, the execution for this particular puzzle requires advanced techniques beyond basic elimination.
Puzzle enthusiasts tackling number 7171 will likely need to employ strategies such as X-Wings, Swordfish, or XY-Chains to crack its code. These methods involve spotting complex patterns across rows and columns to eliminate candidate numbers from specific cells. The puzzle's construction is deliberately crafted to resist straightforward solving paths, offering a satisfyingly tough mental workout.
More Than Just a Game
Sudoku's enduring popularity in the UK and beyond stems from its blend of accessibility and deep complexity. It requires no arithmetic, only pure logic and patience. Regularly engaging with challenging puzzles like Sudoku 7171 is often cited by cognitive experts as a beneficial exercise for maintaining mental agility, improving concentration, and enhancing pattern recognition skills.
The Guardian's commitment to publishing a daily Sudoku, with a dedicated expert puzzle like 7171 each week, caters to a vast community of dedicated solvers. These puzzles provide a daily ritual of focused problem-solving, a welcome distraction and a benchmark for one's logical prowess.
Join the Challenge
For those ready to take on Sudoku 7171, the puzzle is available in the print edition of The Guardian and on its digital platforms. Whether you're a veteran solver or an ambitious newcomer looking to tackle an expert grid, this puzzle represents the pinnacle of logical deduction. It serves as a reminder that within the confines of a simple nine-by-nine square, there exists a universe of complexity waiting to be untangled.
Will you be one of the solvers who successfully completes Sudoku 7171? The clock is ticking, and the grid awaits. Sharpen your pencil, or ready your cursor, and see if you have what it takes to conquer this expert-level brain teaser.
