XYZ-Wing

XYZ-Wing focuses on finding three cells that form a connection, where two have two possible numbers and the third (pivot) shares a number with each of the other two.

Use when a three-candidate pivot cell is flanked by two pincers that each share candidates with it.

A pivot {1,5,9} sees two pincers {1,9} and {5,9}; all three share the digit 9.
A cell seeing the pivot and both pincers cannot be 9, so the 9 is eliminated there.

In practice, if you find this configuration in a sudoku game, an opportunity opens up to significantly reduce the possibilities. By applying the XYZ-Wing technique, you can strategically eliminate options, facilitating the resolution of the most complex parts of the puzzle.

Picking pincers the pivot cannot actually see (not in the same row, column or box).
Eliminating from a cell that does not see all three of the wing's cells.

Frequently asked questions

How is XYZ-Wing different from an XY-Wing?

In an XY-Wing the pivot has two candidates; in an XYZ-Wing it has three, so the eliminated cell must also see the pivot itself.