Learn Section What is the Simple Coloring Technique?
The Simple Coloring technique is an advanced Sudoku solving strategy that helps you eliminate candidates by identifying chains of linked candidates.How to Identify a Simple Coloring Pattern
A Simple Coloring pattern involves the following characteristics:- Identify a candidate number that appears in only two cells within a row, column, or block.
- Consider these two cells as a "strong link" - if one cell contains the candidate, the other cannot.
- Extend this chain by finding other cells with the same candidate number that are linked to the previous cells.
- Continue this process, alternating colors (e.g., blue and red) to represent the linked candidates.
How the Simple Coloring Technique Works
If, during the coloring process, a cell sees both a blue and a red candidate of the same number, then that candidate can be eliminated from that cell.Example of the Simple Coloring Technique
Tips for Spotting Simple Coloring Patterns
- Look for candidate numbers that appear in only two cells within a row, column, or block.
- Focus on extending the coloring chain as far as possible.
- Remember that the goal is to find a cell that sees both colors of the same candidate number.
