The XYZ-Wing technique is an advanced Sudoku solving strategy that helps you eliminate candidates in certain complex scenarios. It is a variation of the XY-Wing technique, involving three cells with specific candidate combinations.
How to Identify an XYZ-Wing
An XYZ-Wing pattern consists of three cells with the following characteristics:
Cell X: This cell has two candidate numbers: X and Y.
Cell Y: This cell has two candidate numbers: Y and Z.
Cell Z: This cell has three candidate numbers: X, Y, and Z.
Cell X and Cell Y must see each other.
Cell Y and Cell Z must see each other.
Cell X and Cell Z must NOT see each other.
How the XYZ-Wing Technique Works
If the above conditions are met, you can eliminate the candidate number Z from any cell that is seen by both Cell X and Cell Y.
Example of the XYZ-Wing Technique
Tips for Spotting XYZ-Wings
Look for cells with two or three candidates.
Focus on cells that see each other, but not all three.
