Lesson 8 · Intermediate technique
Naked Pairs
Lock two matching candidates into two cells and remove them from the rest of the unit.
See the logic move
Use Next to reveal each reason. On the final step, tap the highlighted cell to complete the move yourself.
Step 1 of 3
Spot the match
Two cells in row 7 both contain only 2 and 8.
What the board is showing
Relevant cellsThese cells share the row, column, or box used by this step.7 highlighted cells
PatternThese cells form the logical pattern that proves the move.R7C3, R7C5
Explain it simply
Two cells share the same two numbers. Those numbers belong to the pair, even before we know their order.
Step by step
- Find two cells with the same two candidates.
- Confirm they share one unit.
- Reserve those candidates for the pair.
- Remove them from other cells in that unit.
Quick check: Can candidates 2 and 8 be removed from the two pair cells themselves?
No. Keep them in the pair and remove them only from other cells in the unit.
Turn logic into skill