Pairs and triplesBasic boards

Hidden pair

When two numbers can only go in the same two squares of a row, column or box, those squares hold them. Every other option in the two squares goes.

The pair's two squaresLoses a pencil mark

Hidden or naked

A naked pair shows itself: two squares with the same two marks. A hidden pair is buried among other marks and shows only when you count the places for each number.

How to spot one

For a row, column or box, count the places for each missing number. Two numbers with the same two places are a hidden pair.

What it gives you

Once the extras are gone the two squares are a naked pair. They share a box here too, so the rest of that box can't be 4 or 9.

Practise Hidden pair

Boards that need it, with the owl's hints when you're stuck.

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