IntermediateUsefulness: Medium
Hidden Pair
Two digits that can only appear in the same two cells of a house, disguised by extra candidates. Those extras can be stripped away.
1 and 8 can only live in these two cells, so their other candidates are removed.
patterneliminatesolved
How to spot it
- 1Find two digits whose only homes in a house are the same two cells.
- 2Those cells must take those two digits between them.
- 3Delete all other candidates from that pair of cells.
When to use
When a house looks candidate-heavy but two digits are quietly restricted.
Common mistake
Overlooking them entirely — hidden pairs wear a disguise of surplus candidates.