Technique

X-Wing

A digit confined to the same two columns across two rows (or the same two rows across two columns), forming a rectangle. The digit must occupy those columns in both rows, so it can be cleared elsewhere in them.

💡 What It Is

The simplest fish pattern: a digit locked into two lines, each crossing the same two perpendicular lines.

🔍 How To Spot It

Pick a digit. Find two rows where it's a candidate in exactly the same two columns (and nowhere else in those rows).

✅ Why It Works

Each row needs that digit in one of those two columns. Whichever column takes it in one row, the other row is forced into the remaining column - so between the two rows, both columns get used up right there, leaving no room for the digit anywhere else in either column.

📝 Worked Example

Digit 5 is a candidate only in columns 3 and 8 within row 2, and only in columns 3 and 8 within row 7. That's an X-Wing - eliminate 5 from every other cell in columns 3 and 8.

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