Naked Pair
IntermediateUsed at: Medium
Two cells in the same row, column, or box share the same two candidates. Other cells in that unit can exclude those digits.
Board Example
Blue = focused cell, Yellow = candidates, Red = elimination target
Naked Pair — Explained
A Naked Pair occurs when two cells in the same unit share exactly the same two candidates. Those digits can be eliminated from other cells in that unit.
When to Use
Mid-game onward when Singles are no longer sufficient. Requires using pencil marks.
Common Mistakes
Not verifying the pair shares the same row, column, AND box. Scope differs for same-row but different-box pairs.
Tips
Find two cells sharing exactly two same candidates. Eliminate those two digits from other cells in the same unit.
Naked Pair Steps
Find two cells
Look for two cells in the same unit sharing exactly the same two candidates.
Identify the pair
These two cells must contain those two digits.
Eliminate
Remove those two digits from other cells in the same unit.