The New Sudoku Players' Forum

[monkey]

I have come to a halt with this one and would appreciate a hint with the next move (and explanation why)

original puzzle:
xx2|6xx|xxx
x7x|1xx|xxx
5xx|xxx|x63
--------------
xx4|3xx|x9x
x91|x2x|37x
x3x|xx8|2xx
--------------
72x|xxx|xx8
xxx|xx3|x5x
xxx|xx9|4xx

this is how far I have got:
xx2|6xx|xxx
x76|1xx|5xx
5xx|xxx|x63
--------------
254|3xx|89x
891|x2x|37x
637|9x8|2xx
--------------
72x|xxx|9x8
xxx|xx3|65x
16x|xx9|4xx

Any ideas ?

[george-no1]

Locked candidates in box 3 means you can make a placement at r2c6.

If you need any more help, just say.

G

[monkey]

Sorry george-no1,

I am not sure that I follow. r2c6 can either be a 2 or a 4

[Doyle]

George is correct. It can't be one of those two numbers you mentioned in r2c6, because of the situation in box 3.

[monkey]

Got it !

r2c6 has to be 4 because the 2 has to go in box 3 on row 2

is that right ?

[monkey]

thanks george and doyle,

that was the key that unlocked the rest of the puzzle.

[Doyle]

Glad you got it.

[george-no1]

Yes, it's nice when one small thing completely opens up the puzzle. What rating was it, just out of curiosity?

G

[monkey]

It was rated "EVIL" and was from websudoku.com. I only do evil ones now because they are the most challenging.