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📋 Naked Triples – Quick Guide

Three cells in a unit collectively hold only three candidates; remove those from the other cells. Illustrated steps, pitfalls and tips.

What Are Naked Triples?

A naked triple occurs when three cells in a row/column/box collectively hold only three candidates (e.g., {4,5,6}) and nothing else. Those digits must occupy those three cells, so they can be removed from all other cells in the unit.

Step-by-Step Example

Step 1: In the top-left box, {4,5,6} are confined to three cells
1) Candidate scan: within the top-left 3×3 box, {4,5,6} appear only in three cells.
Step 2: Eliminate {4,5,6} from the remaining cells of that unit
2) Being a naked triple, remove {4,5,6} from the other cells of the unit; direct placements follow.

Where It Works

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

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing with a hidden triple (here the candidates are visible).
  • The trio holding more than three candidates in total — not “naked”.
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