Hidden Single

Basic

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

538921647
971643285
462857139
289
124
356
148
573
653
279
389
246
418
714
156
289
368
926
197562834
346718592
825439761
Key cells of the techniqueCells where elimination is appliedCandidate to be placedEliminated candidate (crossed out)

In Box 1, digit 9: R1C1={2,9}, R1C2={3,5}, R2C1={4,6}, ... → 9 is only a candidate in R1C1 → R1C1 = 9.

Practice with a Real Puzzle

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

Beginner40 givensStrict