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Naked Singles

Beginner

A cell where only one number can possibly go.

How It Works

Naked Singles is the most basic Sudoku technique. When a cell has only one possible candidate remaining after eliminating all numbers that appear in its row, column, and box, that number must go in that cell.

Step by Step

  1. Pick an empty cell.
  2. Check which numbers 1-9 already appear in the same row.
  3. Eliminate those from the column as well.
  4. Eliminate those from the 3x3 box.
  5. If only one number remains, that is the answer.

Practice This Technique

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

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