Pairs and triplesBasic boards
Naked triple
Three squares in a row, column or box that between them can only hold the same three numbers take those three. The rest of the group can't have them.
123456789
123456789
4
9
2
1
1
2
4
7
5
59
7
1
2
8
4
6
2
5
8
9
4
1
3
7
78
2
6
3
5
4
9
1
7
5
8
6
2
2
3
9
6
4
1
7
5
8
578
2
1
57
2
8
4
9
The tripleLoses a pencil mark
Not every square needs all three
A triple can be 7-8, 5-7-8 and 5-7, with no need for every square to show all three numbers. What counts is the total: three squares, three numbers.
How to spot one
Look for squares with two or three marks drawn from the same small set, and count the set across three squares in one group.
What it gives you
Removals in the rest of the group. A square that loses a mark is worth a second look: it may be down to a single.
Practise Naked triple
Boards that need it, with the owl's hints when you're stuck.