Evil Sudoku Solving Times
How long does it take to solve evil sudoku? Benchmarks by skill level and tips to improve your time.
Average Solving Times by Skill Level
| Skill Level | Average Time | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60-120 minutes | Learning advanced techniques, may need hints |
| Intermediate | 30-60 minutes | Knows most techniques, occasionally stuck |
| Advanced | 15-30 minutes | Consistent solving, rarely stuck |
| Expert | 10-15 minutes | Pattern recognition is automatic |
| World Class | 5-8 minutes | Competition-level speed solving |
What's a Good Time for Evil Sudoku?
If you can solve an evil sudoku in under 30 minutes, you're doing well!
This puts you in the "Advanced" category - roughly the top 20% of regular solvers.
Excellent
Expert level performance
Good
Solid advanced solver
Normal
Developing skills
Factors That Affect Solving Time
Puzzle Variation
Even within "evil" difficulty, puzzles vary significantly. Some require only X-Wing while others need complex chains. The same solver might take 10 minutes on one puzzle and 40 on another.
Technique Proficiency
Speed comes from automatic pattern recognition. Experts don't consciously search for X-Wings - they see them instantly. This only develops with practice.
Input Method
Digital solving with keyboard shortcuts is typically 20-30% faster than paper. Competition solvers use optimized input methods.
Fatigue and Focus
Evil puzzles require sustained concentration. Solving time increases significantly when tired or distracted. Morning solvers often outperform evening attempts.
Time Comparison Across Difficulties
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 10-20 min | 5-10 min | 2-5 min |
| Medium | 20-40 min | 10-15 min | 5-8 min |
| Hard | 40-60 min | 15-25 min | 8-12 min |
| Evil | 60-120 min | 30-60 min | 10-15 min |
How to Improve Your Time
1. Master Basic Techniques
Before focusing on speed, ensure you can solve any evil puzzle without hints. Speed comes naturally after consistency.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
When solving digitally, use number keys and arrows. This alone can cut your time by 20-30%.
3. Practice Pattern Recognition
Spend time specifically looking for X-Wings and other patterns, even in easier puzzles. Build the muscle memory.
4. Develop a Routine
Follow the same solving sequence every time. Consistency eliminates decision fatigue and speeds up solving.
5. Solve Daily
Regular practice is more effective than occasional marathon sessions. Even 15 minutes daily builds skills faster.
6. Analyze Your Mistakes
When stuck, note what pattern you missed. Review after solving to identify recurring blind spots.
Competition Speed Records
World Sudoku Championship competitors solve evil-level puzzles in 3-5 minutes. The fastest solvers can complete multiple evil puzzles in the time it takes most people to solve one.
These times require years of dedicated practice and are not realistic goals for casual solvers. For most people, breaking the 15-minute barrier represents excellent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good time for solving evil sudoku?
If you can solve an evil sudoku in under 30 minutes, you're doing well. This puts you in the 'Advanced' category - roughly the top 20% of regular solvers. Under 15 minutes is excellent/expert level performance.
How long does it take beginners to solve evil sudoku?
Beginners typically take 60-120 minutes to solve evil sudoku while learning advanced techniques. This is completely normal. With practice, most people can reduce this to 30-60 minutes within a few weeks of regular solving.
What's the world record for solving evil sudoku?
World Sudoku Championship competitors solve evil-level puzzles in 3-5 minutes. However, these times require years of dedicated practice and aren't realistic goals for casual solvers.
How can I improve my evil sudoku solving time?
Master basic techniques first, use keyboard shortcuts when solving digitally (can reduce time by 20-30%), practice pattern recognition daily, develop a consistent solving routine, and analyze your mistakes to identify blind spots.
Does digital solving differ from paper solving time?
Yes, digital solving with keyboard shortcuts is typically 20-30% faster than paper. Competition solvers use optimized input methods. However, some people prefer paper for better focus and pattern recognition.
Track Your Progress
Our online player includes a timer to help you measure improvement.