Naked Pairs Sudoku Technique
Understand naked pairs in Sudoku, when they matter, and how they help clear clutter from rows, columns, and boxes.
Naked pairs matter because they help advanced boards breathe again. When two cells in the same unit share the exact same two candidates, those digits can be removed from the rest of that unit.
What is Naked Pairs?
A naked pair is two unsolved cells in the same row, column, or box that contain the same two candidates and nothing else.
Because those two digits must belong to those two cells, no other cell in that unit can keep them.
When to use it
Use it when notes start to fill a row, column, or box and the board feels stuck.
It is most useful on medium and hard boards where simple singles no longer dominate.
Step-by-step example
Step 1
Look for duplicated candidate pairs
Scan one unit for two cells that both show the same pair, such as 3 and 7.
Step 2
Lock those digits to those cells
If those two cells must contain 3 and 7, the rest of the unit cannot use either digit.
Step 3
Remove the pair from the remaining candidates
The clean-up often reveals a hidden single or creates a tighter chain elsewhere.
Practice Naked Pairs on a live board
This live board lets you practice the technique immediately while the idea is still fresh.
43% complete
35/81 correct · 35 filled
Interactive practice board
Use Explain Move to study the next logical step without auto-filling the answer.
Instant validation
Mark wrong placements as you enter them.
Reveal mistakes
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Hints
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Win rate
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Streak
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Related techniques and next steps
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