Sudoku Strategy: Swordfish
Swordfish is an extension of the X-Wing strategy that involves three rows and three columns. It's rare but powerful in expert puzzles.
How It Works
If a candidate appears in exactly two or three positions in three different rows (and they all line up in the same three columns), then you can eliminate that candidate from all other cells in those columns.
Think of it like:
- X-Wing = 2x2 grid
- Swordfish = 3x3 grid
When to Use It
- Very hard puzzles with limited progress
- When you're scanning for repeating patterns across units
Practice Swordfish
Feeling stuck? Sometimes even experts need Trial & Error.