What is a hidden pair in sudoku?

A hidden pair is two candidates that appear in exactly two cells within a row, column, or box, and nowhere else in that unit. Once identified, remove all other candidates from those two cells.

How do hidden pairs differ from naked pairs?

In a naked pair, two cells contain only the same two candidates. In a hidden pair, those two cells also contain other candidates. With naked pairs you eliminate from surrounding cells; with hidden pairs you eliminate the extras from the pair cells.

When should I use hidden pairs?

Use hidden pairs after exhausting singles and locked candidates. They solve a large share of stuck moments on expert and master Sudoku puzzles.

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Sudoku a Day Blog · 2026-03-13

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