The New Sudoku Players' Forum

[ronin2307]

this is one of those "diabolically hard mini" puzzles and I am stuck to the point where it seems like no logic applies. I have solved the puzzle by guessing but I woul like to know if there is any logic that I can apply at the point (shown below) to advance without trial and error approach.

6 _ _ 4 3 _
_ _ _ 6 5 _
_ _ 2 5 1 _
_ 1 _ 2 _ 3
_ _ _ 3 _ _
_ 4 _ 1 2 _

the grid is 6x6 with 3c x 2r

thanx

[rubylips]

You ought to search for information on 'naked pairs' and 'hidden pairs' on this forum.

Code: Select all

     6   25   15 |  4   3   12
  1234   23  134 |  6   5   12
-----------------+------------
    34   36    2 |  5   1   46
    45    1  456 |  2  46    3
-----------------+------------
   125  256  156 |  3  46  456
    35    4  356 |  1   2   56

The values 1 and 2 occupy the cells r2c1 and r5c1 in some order.
- The moves r2c1:=3, r2c1:=4 and r5c1:=5 have been eliminated.
The cell r2c3 is the only candidate for the value 4 in Row 2.


[ronin2307]

sadly I have tried to educate myself about hidden and naked pairs but this one slipped thru my fingers. appreciate the help

You ought to search for information on 'naked pairs' and 'hidden pairs' on this forum.

Code: Select all

     6   25   15 |  4   3   12
  1234   23  134 |  6   5   12
-----------------+------------
    34   36    2 |  5   1   46
    45    1  456 |  2  46    3
-----------------+------------
   125  256  156 |  3  46  456
    35    4  356 |  1   2   56

The values 1 and 2 occupy the cells r2c1 and r5c1 in some order.
- The moves r2c1:=3, r2c1:=4 and r5c1:=5 have been eliminated.
The cell r2c3 is the only candidate for the value 4 in Row 2.