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By OnlineSudoku · 52 days ago · 806 views
Learn how the Hidden Pair technique works in Sudoku. Discover how to identify hidden number pairs and eliminate extra candidates to solve puzzles more efficiently.
New to Sudoku? Start here with foundational techniques that solve most easy and medium puzzles.
Before placing any number, scan each row, column, and 3×3 box. Look for digits that appear frequently—they reveal where the same number must go in other units.
Focus on rows, columns, or boxes that already have 6+ filled cells. The fewer empty cells, the easier it is to deduce the missing numbers.
Don't try to hold all possibilities in your head. Use the notes feature to track which numbers could go in each empty cell. Update notes as you place numbers.
A naked single is a cell where only one number is possible. These are your easiest wins—spot them by checking all candidates for each empty cell.
A hidden single occurs when a number can only go in one cell within a row, column, or box, even if other candidates exist in that cell. Scan each unit for numbers that appear only once as a candidate.
Sudoku is a logic puzzle. Every valid puzzle has exactly one solution reachable through deduction. If you're tempted to guess, step back and look for a technique you missed.
Ready to tackle medium and hard puzzles? These techniques will take you to the next level.
When two cells in the same unit (row, column, or box) contain exactly the same two candidates, those two numbers are locked into those cells. Eliminate those candidates from all other cells in that unit.
When two numbers appear as candidates in exactly two cells within a unit, those cells must contain those numbers—even if other candidates are present. Remove all other candidates from those two cells.
If a candidate appears only in one row or column within a 3×3 box, that number must be placed in that row/column within the box. Eliminate it from the rest of the row/column outside the box.
The reverse of pointing pairs: if a candidate in a row or column is confined to a single 3×3 box, eliminate that candidate from the rest of the box.
An extension of naked pairs. When three cells in a unit share exactly three candidates among them, those three numbers are locked. Eliminate them from all other cells in that unit.
When a candidate appears exactly twice in two different rows, and those occurrences align in the same two columns, you can eliminate that candidate from all other cells in those two columns. This also works swapping rows and columns.
For hard, expert, and evil puzzles, master these advanced pattern-based techniques.
An extension of X-Wing across three rows and three columns. If a candidate appears in exactly the same three columns across three rows, eliminate that candidate from those columns in other rows.
A pivot cell with two candidates (X and Y) connects to two wing cells (XZ and YZ). The shared candidate Z can be eliminated from any cell that sees both wing cells.
Follow a chain of logical implications: "If this cell is X, then that cell must be Y, which means..." Continue until you reach a contradiction or a forced placement.
Assign alternating colors to candidate pairs that share a strong link. If the same color appears twice in a unit, that color represents a contradiction—eliminate all candidates of that color.
Avoid "deadly patterns" where a rectangle of four cells in two boxes contains only two candidates. Such a pattern would allow multiple solutions, so at least one cell must contain a different number.
A powerful generalization of forcing chains using alternating strong and weak links. Master this to solve the toughest puzzles without guessing.
Consistency beats intensity. Solve one puzzle daily to build pattern recognition and speed naturally.
Occasionally time your solves to track progress, but don't obsess over speed. Accuracy first, speed follows.
When stuck, use a Sudoku solver to see the step you missed. Understanding your blind spots accelerates improvement.
Master easy techniques before jumping to advanced ones. Each technique builds on foundational scanning skills.
On web Sudoku, learn the keyboard controls (1-9 for numbers, D for notes, Delete to clear). It saves significant time.
A premature placement can cascade into errors. Double-check that no conflicts exist in the row, column, and box before committing.
Skipping candidate notes on medium+ puzzles leads to mental overload. Use notes systematically.
Don't fixate on one area. If stuck, shift focus to another row, column, or box. Fresh eyes spot new patterns.
Sudoku puzzles are not always symmetrical. Don't assume a pattern exists where it doesn't.
Step away for a few minutes. A clear mind sees deductions that a frustrated one misses.
The best way to internalize these techniques is to apply them. Start with easy puzzles, use the tips above, and watch your solving improve.
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