Hidden Single

hiddenSingle
LevelNot seen in a hint yet

How it works

If, inside one line (row or column) or one box, a digit can go in only a single cell, that digit is confirmed there no matter how many other candidates that cell still holds.

Where a Naked Single asks "what goes in this cell?", this asks "where does this digit go?". That is why it resolves cells that still look undecided — the answer is hidden behind the other candidates.

Worked example

● evidence✕ eliminated★ confirmed

Find where 2 can go in row 3. The cells still empty are R3C4, R3C5, R3C6, R3C7, R3C8.

Of those, R3C4, R3C5, R3C7, R3C8 already see a 2 in their own row, column or box (marked ●). The same digit cannot appear twice in one house, so those cells are ruled out (✕).

Only R3C6 is left — 2 goes here (★).

Examples I encountered

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