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Naked Pairs

Intermediate

Two cells in the same group with exactly the same two candidates.

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Example diagram — highlighted cells show where the technique applies.

How It Works

When two cells in the same row, column, or box contain exactly the same two candidates (and no others), those two numbers must go in those two cells. You can eliminate those two numbers from all other cells in that group.

Step by Step

  1. Find two cells in the same group with exactly two identical candidates.
  2. These two numbers are locked to those two cells.
  3. Remove those two candidates from all other cells in the same group.

When to Use

Use Naked Pairs when you have two cells in the same row, column, or box that share exactly the same two candidates. This lets you eliminate those candidates from other cells in the group.

Example

Two empty cells in a row both have candidates 4 and 7. Those two numbers must occupy those two cells. So you can remove 4 and 7 from every other cell in that row.

Common Mistakes

Confusing Naked Pairs with cells that share only one candidate. Both cells must have exactly the same two candidates — no more, no less. Also, the pair must be in the same row, column, or box.

Tips

Look for cells with exactly two pencil marks. When you find two such cells in the same group with identical candidates, you've got a naked pair. Extend this logic to naked triples for harder puzzles.

Practice This Technique

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

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