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📋 Naked Pairs – Quick Guide

Two cells in a unit share exactly two candidates; eliminate those from the other cells. Step-by-step example.

What Are Naked Pairs?

A naked pair happens when two cells in a row/column/box hold the same two candidates. Those digits can then be removed from all other cells in that unit.

Step-by-Step Example

Step 1: Candidate scan in the upper-left area
1) The top row shows several possibilities; a potential two-digit pair emerges.
Step 2: Two cells restricted to the same two candidates
2) Exactly two cells with the same two candidates ⇒ a naked pair.
Step 3: Eliminate from the rest; immediate placements appear
3) Remove those digits from the remaining cells in the unit; new placements follow.

Where It Works

  • Any row,
  • Any column,
  • Any 3×3 box.

Common Mistakes

  • Thinking there’s a pair when more than two cells are involved.
  • Mixing it with hidden pairs; naked pairs are visible candidates.
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