Clue-Dot Balance
A clue and a nearby dot can force each other even when no second clue is needed.
How it works
- 1Two crossed edges meet at the dot diagonally below-right of the 3. That leaves only the 3's bottom and right sides available at the dot.
- 2A dot carries 0 or 2 lines, so those two remaining edges must be both lines or both blank.
- 3Both blank would leave the 3 only its top and left: two sides where it needs three.
- 4So both are lines. The two Xs and the 3 are the complete proof; no diagonal 0 clue is required.
- Edge the technique adds
- Edge ruled out
- Cells that establish the pattern