Hidden Triple
Three digits confined to the same three cells of a house, clearing all other candidates from those cells.
Also known as: Concealed Triple, Hidden Triplet
Quick Summary
When three digits in a house only appear in three cells, those three cells must hold those three digits. All other candidates can be wiped from those three cells.
Understanding the Hidden Triple Technique
Hidden Triples require systematic candidate tracking. If three digits (e.g. {2, 6, 8}) are confined exclusively to a group of three cells in a row, column, or box, no other digits can occupy those cells. Solvers eliminate all other candidates from the three cells, leaving behind a clean Naked Triple.
Visual Examples
Green cells highlight the Hidden Triple pattern, amber cells denote where candidates are affected, and struck-through pencil marks show the eliminations. Use the buttons or arrow keys to browse examples.
How to Spot & Solve a Hidden Triple (Step-by-Step Guide)
The complete visual scanning and logical deduction process to execute this technique:
- 1Scan a row, column, or box for three digits that only appear in three specific cells across the entire unit.
- 2Verify that none of those three digits appear anywhere else in that row, column, or box.
- 3Because the unit must place all three digits, they will completely fill those three cells.
- 4Erase all other candidate pencil marks from those three cells.
Common Traps & Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking an occurrence of one of the digits in a fourth cell in the house.
- Thinking all three digits must appear in every cell of the triple.
- Failing to erase the surplus candidates from the three cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Hidden Triple have cells with only two candidates?
Yes. For example, three cells could hold extra candidates alongside the three core numbers. As long as those three core numbers appear nowhere else in that unit, all other candidates in those cells are eliminated.
Related Solving Techniques
Expand your repertoire by learning prerequisites and advanced counterparts:
Ready to Practice Hidden Triple?
Try a puzzle in the Tricky tier (Peak Score 41–50), or browse all 25 techniques.