SudokuPrime
INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUE

Pointing Pairs

If a box can only place a digit on one line, the rest of that line cannot have it.

What is a pointing pair?

A pointing pair (or pointing triple) appears when all the candidates for a digit inside one box lie on the same row or the same column. The box must place that digit somewhere on that line, so no other cell of the line, outside the box, can hold it.

In the top-left box, 5 can only go in row 1. The pair "points" along row 1: 5 is removed from the other cells of that row. Only candidates for 5 are shown.

How to use it

  1. Pick a box and a digit that is not placed in the box yet.
  2. Locate its candidates inside the box.
  3. Check the alignment. If they all sit in one row (or one column), the digit is locked to that line within the box.
  4. Eliminate the digit from the same row (or column) in the two other boxes.

Pointing pairs are one of the most common moves needed on Hard puzzles, and they often unlock a hidden single in a neighboring box.

Practice pointing pairsTry the technique on a fresh Hard puzzle.
Play Hard Sudoku
KEEP PLAYING

More free Sudoku puzzles

Daily SudokuOne shared puzzle a day.Easy Sudoku43 clues, perfect to start.Medium Sudoku36 clues, room to think.Hard Sudoku30 clues, notes recommended.Expert SudokuAbout 25 clues, beyond singles.6×6 SudokuDigits 1 to 6, great for kids.Killer SudokuCages, sums, and pure logic.Sudoku SolverSolve any puzzle, step by step.Printable SudokuPrint or save as PDF.Sudoku StrategiesLearn every solving technique.
GOOD TO KNOW

A little clarity
before you play.

The details, without the distractions.

What is the difference between a pointing pair and box-line reduction?

They are mirror images. A pointing pair starts from a box and eliminates along a line. Box-line reduction starts from a line and eliminates inside a box.

Can a pointing group have three cells?

Yes. If three candidates in a box are all on the same line, it is called a pointing triple and works the same way.

SUDOKU PRIME