XY-Wing
The Classic Three-Cell Wing Pattern
By Minimal Sudoku Team•Last updated:
XY-Wing (also written as Y-Wing) is a fundamental advanced technique using three bi-value cells. It's one of the most useful patterns for breaking through difficult puzzles.
Note
XY-Wing and Y-Wing are the same technique — just different naming conventions. We have a complete guide on the Y-Wing page.
Quick Summary
- Structure: Pivot (AB) + Wing 1 (AC) + Wing 2 (BC)
- Connection: Pivot sees both wings; wings don't see each other
- Shared candidate: C appears in both wings but not pivot
- Result: Eliminate C from cells seeing both wings
The Pattern
🎯
Pivot
Candidates: A, B
Sees both wings
🪽
Wing 1
Candidates: A, C
Sees pivot
🪽
Wing 2
Candidates: B, C
Sees pivot
The Golden Rule
🦋 XY-Wing Rule
The candidate shared by both wings (C) — but absent from the pivot — can be eliminated from any cell that sees both wings.
The logic: the pivot is either A or B. If A, Wing 1 becomes C. If B, Wing 2 becomes C. Either way, one wing is definitely C!
Full Guide
AdvancedY-Wing (XY-Wing) Complete Guide
Full explanation with examples, step-by-step detection, and advanced tips.