Naked Pairs and Triples: Practical Guide
Sudoku a Day Blog
Naked Pairs and Naked Triples are two of the most useful mid-level Sudoku strategies. If you already know singles, these patterns help you keep moving when the grid stalls.
Quick refresher: candidates
These methods use candidate notes. If you need the basics first, start with the Sudoku strategies hub.
Naked Pairs (2 cells, same 2 candidates)
A Naked Pair appears when two cells in the same row, column, or box contain exactly the same two candidates (for example, {2,8} and {2,8}).
Because those two digits must occupy those two cells, no other cell in that unit can contain 2 or 8. Eliminate them from the rest of the unit.
Naked Triples (3 cells, same 3-candidate set)
A Naked Triple appears when three cells in one unit collectively contain exactly three digits (for example 1,4,9 across three cells). The cells may be arranged as {1,4}, {1,9}, {4,9} or similar.
Those three digits are locked into those three cells, so you can remove them from every other cell in that same unit.
How to spot them faster
- Scan units with many pencil marks first.
- Look for repeated candidate sets before trying complex chains.
- After each elimination, rescan for singles and hidden singles.
When this matters most
Naked Pairs/Triples show up often in hard Sudoku and become essential in expert Sudoku, where basic singles are not enough.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not eliminate candidates outside the affected unit. A pair/triple in one row does not automatically affect other rows unless they share the same box/column relationship.
Practice path
Try this progression:
- Practice Naked Pairs in medium/hard puzzles.
- Add Naked Triples once pair detection feels automatic.
- Combine with box-line logic for faster breakthroughs.
Want more? Browse the full strategy collection and apply these techniques to today’s puzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naked pair in sudoku?
A naked pair is two cells in the same row, column, or box that each contain exactly the same two candidates — and no others. Because those two digits must go in those two cells, you can eliminate them from all other cells in that unit.
What is the difference between naked pairs and hidden pairs?
In a naked pair both cells contain only those two candidates. In a hidden pair both cells contain those two candidates plus others — the pair is 'hidden' among extra digits. Naked pairs eliminate from surrounding cells; hidden pairs eliminate the extras from the pair cells themselves.
How do I find naked triples?
Look for three cells in a unit whose combined candidates contain exactly three digits. The cells do not each need all three digits — as long as the union of all candidates is three digits. Any of those three digits appearing elsewhere in the unit can be eliminated.