GridWits
Hard tier Technique 10 of 20 Used by Smart Hint

Naked Triple

Three cells in a run whose candidates combine to exactly three digits — eliminate those digits elsewhere in the run.

How it works

  1. 1No single one of the first three cells is pinned down, but between them they draw on only three digits: 2, 3 and 4.
  2. 2Three cells, three digits — they take one each, so all three digits are spoken for.
  3. 3Strike 2, 3 and 4 from the last cell, leaving 9. Check it: 2 + 3 + 4 + 9 = 18.
  4. 4The three cells don't have to share identical candidate lists — only their union has to be exactly three digits wide.
18 2 3 3 4 2 4 2 3 4 9
  • Cells that establish the pattern
  • Where the conclusion lands
  • Digit ruled out
Next in the ladder Naked Quad →

Four cells in a run whose candidates combine to exactly four digits — eliminate those digits elsewhere in the run.