How to Find & Solve Hidden Triples in Sudoku
A Hidden Triple is an advanced deduction where three numbers are restricted to only three cells in a house, hidden behind other candidate clutter. Uncovering it clears out false options and reveals direct placements.
The 3-Step Hidden Triple Method
- Identify Rare Candidates: Check your pencil marks for three digits that each appear in 3 or fewer cells within a single row, column, or box.
- Verify Overlapping Positions: Ensure all three of those numbers appear exclusively within the exact same three cells of that unit.
- Strip Away Clutter: Delete every other candidate number from those three cells. Those three cells are now reserved solely for the triple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hidden Triple in Sudoku? ▼
A Hidden Triple occurs when three specific digits appear as candidates within only three cells of a single row, column, or 3×3 box. Even though those three cells may contain other extraneous candidate numbers, the three target digits must go into those three cells, allowing all other candidates in those cells to be eliminated.
How does a Hidden Triple differ from a Naked Triple? ▼
In a Naked Triple, the three cells contain only combinations of the three digits (no extra candidates). In a Hidden Triple, the cells contain other candidate numbers that 'hide' the three digits, but the three digits do not appear anywhere else in that house.
What is the best way to spot a Hidden Triple? ▼
Focus on numbers that only have 2 or 3 candidate appearances in a row, column, or block. If three such numbers all share the exact same set of three cells, you have identified a Hidden Triple.
Master Hidden Triples in Real Puzzles
Spotting Hidden Triples unlocks advanced candidate grids. Test this technique on our Hard Sudoku or Expert Sudoku boards, or advance to fish patterns like X-Wing.