The Remote Pairs technique is an advanced Sudoku solving strategy that helps you eliminate candidates in certain complex scenarios. It involves identifying two pairs of cells, each containing the same two candidate numbers, that are linked together in a specific way.
How to Identify Remote Pairs
A Remote Pairs pattern consists of the following characteristics:
Two pairs of cells, each containing the same two candidate numbers (X and Y).
The two pairs must be located in the same row, column, or block.
There must be an even number of cells between the two pairs.
All cells between the two pairs must not contain either of the candidate numbers (X or Y).
How the Remote Pairs Technique Works
If the above conditions are met, you can eliminate the candidate numbers X and Y from any cell that sees both pairs.
Example of the Remote Pairs Technique
Tips for Spotting Remote Pairs
Look for pairs of cells with the same two candidate numbers.
Focus on pairs located in the same row, column, or block.
Check for an even number of cells between the pairs.
Ensure that the cells between the pairs do not contain either of the candidate numbers.
