Naked Pair

Easy

What is it?

A Naked Pair occurs when two cells in the same unit (row, column, or box) have exactly the same two candidates and no others. Since those two values must go in those two cells, they can be eliminated from all other cells in that unit.

When to use it

Look for pairs of cells within a unit that share the exact same two candidates. This is most useful after you have exhausted all singles.

Why it works

If two cells in a unit can only contain values A and B, then one cell gets A and the other gets B. No other cell in that unit can contain A or B.

Interactive Demo

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239
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1

Let's find a Naked Pair. Look at row 1. Several cells are empty. We need to examine their candidates.

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