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Pointing Pairs

Intermediate

Candidates in a box confined to a single row or column.

How It Works

When all candidates for a particular number within a 3x3 box are confined to a single row or column, that number can be eliminated from other cells in that row or column outside the box.

Step by Step

  1. Within a 3x3 box, find a candidate number that only appears in one row (or column).
  2. Since it must go in that row within the box, eliminate it from the same row outside the box.

Practice This Technique

Try solving a puzzle and look for opportunities to apply Pointing Pairs.

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