XYZ-Wing
XY-Wing with a three-candidate hinge.
Also known as: XYZ-Hinge Wing
Quick Summary
An XYZ-Wing features a 3-candidate pivot and two bivalue wings sharing one common digit. Any cell that sees all three cells cannot contain that shared digit.
Understanding the XYZ-Wing Technique
The XYZ-Wing is a variation of the XY-Wing where the pivot cell retains all three candidates (for example, 1, 4, and 7) instead of just two. Because the pivot itself could be 7, target cells must be visible to both wings AND to the pivot itself. This restricts the elimination cells to the same 3×3 box as the pivot, but it provides a clean, decisive deduction.
Visual Examples
Green cells highlight the XYZ-Wing 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 XYZ-Wing (Step-by-Step Guide)
The complete visual scanning and logical deduction process to execute this technique:
- 1Find a three-candidate pivot cell (e.g. holding 1, 4, and 7).
- 2Find two bivalue wing cells that see the pivot: one holding 1 and 7, and the other holding 4 and 7.
- 3Notice that digit 7 is shared across all three cells.
- 4If the pivot is 1, the first wing must be 7. If the pivot is 4, the second wing must be 7. If the pivot is 7, it is already 7.
- 5One of these three cells is guaranteed to be 7.
- 6Eliminate candidate 7 from any cell in the same 3×3 box that sees the pivot and both wings.
Common Traps & Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to eliminate the target digit from cells that do not see the pivot cell.
- Eliminating the non-shared digits instead of the digit common to all three cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are XYZ-Wing eliminations more restricted than XY-Wings?
Because the pivot can also be the shared digit, any eliminated cell must see the pivot in addition to both wings. This usually means the eliminated cell must share a 3x3 box with the pivot.
Related Solving Techniques
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Ready to Practice XYZ-Wing?
Try a puzzle in the Tough tier (Peak Score 61–70), or browse all 25 techniques.