Hidden vs Naked Pair
AdvancedUsed at: Medium
Understanding the difference between hidden and naked pairs.
Hidden vs Naked Pair — Explained
Understanding the difference between Naked Pairs and Hidden Pairs is a key milestone. Naked Pairs are 'cell perspective', Hidden Pairs are 'digit perspective'.
When to Use
Using both perspectives when solving intermediate puzzles helps narrow candidates efficiently.
Common Mistakes
Relying only on Naked Pairs and missing Hidden Pairs. Without both, candidates become overwhelming.
Tips
Naked Pairs = 'two cells with same two candidates'. Hidden Pairs = 'two digits in same two cells'.
Hidden vs Naked Pair Steps
1
Look for Naked Pairs first
Start with two cells sharing exactly two same candidates.
2
Then Hidden Pairs
Look for two digits that can only appear in the same two cells.
3
Use both perspectives
Combining cell and digit perspectives is key to efficient candidate reduction.