Too Many Candidates? How to Organize
Being overwhelmed by candidates is a common experience at intermediate level. But once you learn to organize, it becomes manageable.
3-Step Organization Method
Step 1: Fill Naked Singles First
Fill in all cells that only have one possible number. Every filled cell changes the candidate landscape in its row, column, and block. Doing this first dramatically reduces candidates.
Step 2: Check Candidates by Number
Go through numbers 1 to 9 in order, checking "where can this number go?" If only one spot — fill it. If 2–3 spots — keep as candidates. If 4+ spots — skip for now.
Step 3: Look for Pairs and Triples
When 2–3 cells in the same row, column, or block share the same candidates, check if you can eliminate those numbers from other cells in the same unit.