LEVEL 6

X-Wing

A digit appears in exactly two aligned cells across two rows or columns.

How to find it

  1. Choose a candidate digit and scan rows.
  2. Find two rows where it occurs in the same two columns.
  3. Eliminate the digit from other cells in those columns.

Candidate-map demonstration

The violet cells mark the pattern and the gold cell marks the resulting placement or elimination. Treat this compact map as orientation; use the verified full puzzle below to practise the actual deduction.

Common mistakes

  • Using cells that do not share the required row, column, box or peer relationship.
  • Removing a candidate before confirming every occurrence in the pattern.
  • Confusing a possible pattern with a completed logical proof.

VERIFIED PRACTICE

X-Wing training

Loading a mathematically verified puzzle state…

Apply this technique in a real puzzle

Continue through the fish family

Fish techniques use the same base-line and cover-line idea at different sizes. Follow the sequence to understand exactly what changes before attempting a harder pattern.