GridDay

← All techniques

X-Chain

Expert Removes candidates Used in: Sudoku, Killer Sudoku

X-Chain

A chain of strong and weak links on a single digit. Because the two ends cannot both be off, the digit is true at one end — so any cell that sees both ends cannot hold it.

How to spot it

A chain of alternating strong and weak links on a single digit.

What you can conclude

Eliminate the digit from any cell that sees both ends of the chain.

Worked example

Follow 9 along strong and weak links; the two ends cannot both be empty, so any cell seeing both loses its 9.

Related techniques

XY-Chain · Inference Chain · ALS-XZ