XYZ-Wing

Master

An XYZ-Wing is an XY-Wing whose pivot has three notes: x, y and z, with pincers x z and y z. The pivot can now be z itself, so only cells that see all three cells lose z.

How it works

If the pivot is x, the first pincer is z. If it’s y, the second pincer is z. And if it’s z, the pivot holds it. In every case one of the three cells is z, so a cell that sees all three of them can’t be. Since a cell can only see the pivot and both pincers from the pivot’s box or line, there are usually just one or two cells to clear.

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The pivot B1 can be 3, 6 or 8. B8 (3 or 6) and C2 (6 or 8) both see it. If B1 is 6, it holds the 6 itself; if it’s 3, B8 is 6; if it’s 8, C2 is. So B3, which sees all three, can’t be 6.

How to spot it

  • Look for a three-note cell that sees two two-note cells made only of its digits, sharing one digit between them.
  • Usually one pincer is in the pivot’s box and the other on its row or column: check the cells of the box on that line.

Try it on a real puzzle

Master puzzles in Sudoku Knockout need techniques like this one, and never a guess. When you’re stuck, a hint shows you the step.

Play a Master puzzle