Beginner

Cross-Hatching (Row)

When a number has only one possible cell left in a row.

Explanation

Pick a row and a number. Columns and boxes that already contain the number block cells in the row. If only one cell survives, the number goes there.

Cross-Hatching (Row) example Sudoku board 5 3 7 6 1 9 5 9 8 6 8 6 3 4 8 3 1 7 2 6 6 2 8 4 1 9 5 8 7 9
An example board where Cross-Hatching (Row) applies

Practice tip

Check each empty cell of the row against its column and box.

Example steps

  1. Pick one row and one number to track.
  2. Cross out row cells whose column or box already contains the number (mark ✕).
  3. Only one cell in the row survives — that is where the number goes.

Try this technique on a real puzzle.

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