Practical guides for solving, practicing, and understanding Sudoku puzzles.
Remote pairs use a chain of identical bivalue cells to create a strong link between the same candidate at two distant cells, letting you eliminate that candidate from any cell that sees both ends. Learn when to look for them and follow a clear candidate-grid example.
Read articleLearn the naked single sudoku technique: how to spot a cell that has only one possible number, when to look for it, and a clear candidate-grid example you can use while solving.
Read articleForcing chains are a practical way to break a stuck Sudoku: assume a candidate and follow the logical consequences until you can place or eliminate a number. This article explains the idea, when to try it, and walks through a clear candidate-grid example you can practice with.
Read articleA hidden triple occurs when three digits in a row, column or box are confined to exactly three cells. Find those three cells, then remove all other candidates from them. This article explains how to spot hidden triples and gives a clear candidate-grid example you can use as a template.
Read articleA clear, practical introduction to the XY-Wing sudoku technique: how to spot a pivot and two pincers in three bivalue cells and use them to eliminate a candidate. Includes a candidate-grid example you can follow step by step.
Read articleA clear, practical guide to the hidden rectangle sudoku technique: how it relates to Unique Rectangles, where to look, and a step-by-step candidate-grid example that shows how an extra candidate can hide the rectangle and how to eliminate it under the uniqueness assumption.
Read articleLearn how two overlapping fish patterns can combine to remove candidates. This practical guide explains the siamese fish sudoku technique, when to look for it, and a clear candidate-grid example you can use while penciling.
Read articleUse these focused guides alongside the articles when you want to practice a specific solving pattern.