Practice Hidden Pair Sudoku Technique

Ready to put the hidden pair technique into action? This page is designed for you to practice and master hidden pairs with real Sudoku puzzles.

Quick Reminder: What is a Hidden Pair?

A hidden pair occurs when two numbers are candidates in only two cells within a row, column, or box—even if those cells have other candidates. When you spot a hidden pair, you can eliminate all other candidates from those two cells.

Want a full step-by-step guide? Read the Hidden Pair Technique article

How to Practice

  1. Look for two numbers that appear as candidates in only two cells within a house (row, column, or box).
  2. Remove all other candidates from those two cells.
  3. Use this elimination to unlock more singles and progress in the puzzle.

Start Practicing

Try the puzzles below and focus on finding and applying hidden pairs. The more you practice, the easier it will be to spot this powerful technique in any Sudoku!

Now that you know how to apply this strategy, see if you can find it on one of our Sudoku puzzles!