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ExpertUsefulness: Low

XYZ-Wing

An XY-Wing whose pivot carries three candidates {X,Y,Z}. Because the pivot could also be Z, eliminations apply only to cells seen by all three cells.

A three-candidate pivot tightens the net: only shared peers lose Z.

patterneliminatesolved

How to spot it

  1. 1Find a pivot with three candidates {X,Y,Z}.
  2. 2Find pincers {X,Z} and {Y,Z} the pivot sees.
  3. 3Remove Z from cells seen by the pivot and both pincers.

When to use

As an extension once XY-Wings feel natural.

Common mistake

Forgetting the target must also be a peer of the pivot, not just the pincers.