X-Wing Sudoku Technique
Learn what the X-Wing technique is, when to use it, and how to explain it in a way that players can actually follow.
X-Wing is a visual elimination pattern for harder Sudoku boards. It becomes useful when a digit is limited to the same two columns across two rows, or the same two rows across two columns.
What is X-Wing?
An X-Wing happens when a digit forms a rectangle across two rows and two columns.
That structure means the digit must occupy one of two mirrored placements, so the rest of those columns or rows can eliminate it.
When to use it
Use it on harder boards when singles and pair work have stalled.
It is best searched digit by digit, not by staring at the whole grid.
Step-by-step example
Step 1
Track one digit across two rows
Find a digit that appears as candidates in exactly two columns on one row, then repeats in the same two columns on another row.
Step 2
Treat the rectangle as a locked pattern
The digit must land in one of those two mirrored row placements.
Step 3
Eliminate that digit from the rest of the columns
Any extra candidates for the same digit in those columns can now be removed.
Practice X-Wing on a live board
This live board lets you practice the technique immediately while the idea is still fresh.
42% complete
34/81 correct · 34 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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Related techniques and next steps
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