Hidden Single

Beginner

A digit that can only go in one cell within a unit must be placed there.

How It Works

If a digit can only appear in one cell within a unit (row, column, or box), it must be placed there — even if that cell has other candidates. The digit has nowhere else to go in that unit.

Example: If 7 can only fit in R5C6 within Box 5, then R5C6 = 7.

Example

19
5
19
2374
18
6
12
34689
15
15
7
678145239
19
26854
19
7
13
3459
17
26
18
18
179
8
19
3
17
6
159
2
14
413598762
567423
189
189
18
892761345
Key cells of the techniqueCells where elimination is appliedCandidate to be placedEliminated candidate (crossed out)

Practice with a Real Puzzle

This 9×9 puzzle is solver-verified to require this technique on its solution path.

Beginner40 givensStrict