Difficulty
Medium
This is where Naked Pair normally sits in a human solving path.
Sudoku technique guide
Naked Pair Sudoku Technique
A naked pair is two cells in one area that contain the same two candidates. This guide explains the idea in plain English, when to look for it, and the common mistake to avoid.
At a glance
Family
Subset techniques
It belongs to the subset techniques group of Sudoku logic.
Main action
Usually remove candidates
Most technique moves reduce notes first. That often reveals a simpler placement afterwards.
What is Naked Pair?
A naked pair is two cells in one area that contain the same two candidates.
The important thing is that this is logic, not guessing. You are using the current candidates to prove that a number must either go in one place, or cannot stay in another place.
In SudoSketch, this technique is designed to work with notes and Coach highlighting, so the key cells and removal cells can be shown clearly.
How Naked Pair works
- Find two cells in the same row, column or box.
- Both cells must contain exactly the same two candidates.
- Those two candidates are reserved, so remove them from other cells in that area.
When to look for it
Look for Naked Pair after easier moves have stopped working. First check for naked singles, hidden singles, locked candidates and simple pairs. If those do not move the puzzle forward, this technique may be worth checking.
For learning, do not try to scan for every advanced technique at once. Pick one method, understand the shape, and practise spotting that one pattern.
Common mistake
The pair cells must contain only those two candidates. If either cell has a third candidate, it is not a naked pair.
If you are unsure, rebuild the candidates first. Bad notes create bad logic, and Sudoku will absolutely punish you for it like a tiny spreadsheet goblin.
Naked Pair FAQ
What is Naked Pair in Sudoku?
A naked pair is two cells in one area that contain the same two candidates.
When should I look for Naked Pair?
Look for Naked Pair after simpler moves such as singles, locked candidates and obvious pairs have stopped helping.
Can SudoSketch Coach help with Naked Pair?
Yes. SudoSketch Coach can highlight candidate patterns and explain the next logical step when a Naked Pair move is available.