Hidden Pair

The mirror image of a naked pair. Harder to see, because the pair hides among other candidates.

What is a hidden pair?

Pick a row, column or box. If two numbers can each go only in the same two cells of that unit, those two cells must hold those two numbers.

The cells may still show other candidates. Those are now impossible, and you can remove them. Once you do, the hidden pair becomes a naked pair.

the two cells the row candidates you can remove blue numbers: already filled in with the basics

Example from a real puzuru puzzle. Rows and columns are numbered 1 to 9 from the top left. Candidates are shown only for row 3.

The example

In row 3, a 1 can only go in R3C2 or R3C3, and so can a 4.

So R3C2 and R3C3 are taken by 1 and 4. Every other candidate in those two cells can go: remove 7, 9 from R3C2 and 7, 8 from R3C3.

How to spot hidden pairs

Work unit by unit. For each number missing from the unit, note which cells can hold it.

When two numbers share exactly the same two cells, you have a hidden pair.

Hidden pairs often show up in units with many empty cells, where naked pairs are hard to find.

Practice on Expert puzzles →

← Naked Pair　Next: Naked Triple →

FAQ

What is the difference between a naked pair and a hidden pair?

A naked pair is two cells that can only hold the same two numbers. A hidden pair is two numbers that can only go in the same two cells. A naked pair clears the rest of the unit; a hidden pair clears the rest of the two cells.

Is there a hidden triple?

Yes. Three numbers that can only go in the same three cells of a unit. Remove every other candidate from those three cells.

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