Pointing Pair / Triple
All candidates for a digit in a box line up in one row or column, clearing the rest of that line.
Also known as: Pointing Line, Locked Candidates Type 1, Box-to-Line Reduction
Quick Summary
When all remaining candidates for a digit inside a 3×3 box are confined to a single row or column, that digit must be placed in that box's row/column, eliminating it from the rest of that line.
Understanding the Pointing Pair / Triple Technique
Pointing Pairs and Triples belong to the family of 'Locked Candidates'. They represent the first major deductive step beyond single-cell looking. The logic flows outwards: from the box to the line. Because a 3×3 box must contain the digit exactly once, and all candidate occurrences sit along one line, the digit cannot possibly be placed anywhere else along that entire line outside the box.
Visual Examples
Green cells highlight the Pointing Pair / 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 Pointing Pair / Triple (Step-by-Step Guide)
The complete visual scanning and logical deduction process to execute this technique:
- 1Focus on a 3×3 box and pick a candidate digit you are tracking.
- 2Notice when all pencil marks for that digit inside the box line up along a single row or column.
- 3Because that box must contain the digit somewhere, one of those 2 or 3 aligned cells is guaranteed to hold it.
- 4Since the digit is locked into that line within this box, it can never appear anywhere else along that same row or column.
- 5Safely erase that candidate from all other cells along the line in the neighboring boxes.
Common Traps & Mistakes to Avoid
- Eliminating candidates inside the box instead of outside the box along the line.
- Confusing Pointing Candidates (box → line) with Claiming Candidates (line → box).
- Missing pointing triples when one of the three cells already has another digit placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pointing and Claiming?
Pointing logic starts in a 3×3 box and eliminates candidates outward along a row or column (Box → Line). Claiming logic starts in a row or column and eliminates candidates inward inside a 3×3 box (Line → Box).
Does a pointing pair immediately place a digit?
No. Pointing pairs only eliminate candidate pencil marks from other cells. However, those eliminations frequently reveal Naked Singles or Hidden Singles on the very next turn.
Can a pointing group have 3 cells?
Yes, that is called a Pointing Triple. As long as all 3 cells lie within the same row or column inside that box, the exact same elimination logic applies.
Related Solving Techniques
Expand your repertoire by learning prerequisites and advanced counterparts:
Ready to Practice Pointing Pair / Triple?
Try a puzzle in the Easy tier (Peak Score 21–30), or browse all 25 techniques.