Advanced Sudoku technique

Sudoku X-Wing Strategy

Learn how the X-Wing technique removes candidates by finding a rectangle across two rows or two columns. Use the practice puzzle below, then try verified Hard and Expert X-Wing Sudoku practice puzzles from the bank.

Step-by-step example Practice puzzle Hard & Expert examples Candidate elimination
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How it works

What is an X-Wing in Sudoku?

An X-Wing happens when one candidate digit appears in exactly two cells in one row and exactly two matching cells in another row. If those two rows use the same columns, the digit must occupy the corners of that rectangle. That means the same candidate can be removed from other cells in those columns.

The same logic also works in the other direction: two columns can create an X-Wing across two matching rows.

  1. Pick one candidate digit. X-Wing is always about one number at a time.
  2. Find two matching pairs. Look for two rows with the candidate in the same two columns, or two columns with the candidate in the same two rows.
  3. Form the rectangle. The four candidate cells are the corners of the X-Wing.
  4. Eliminate outside candidates. Remove that candidate from other cells in the affected columns or rows.

Practice puzzle string

This puzzle reaches an X-Wing on candidate 2 during the solving path. Paste it into the 81 digit solver or use the button above.

000005079300000602508207000000000060005390040003004095600010007001009080000603104

Practice X-Wing puzzle

Use the solver to follow the logic until the X-Wing step appears.

Sudoku X-Wing strategy example

The key sign is a digit appearing in exactly two possible cells on two separate lines, with those positions aligned into a rectangle.

X-Wing removes candidates

X-Wing usually does not place a number immediately. It removes impossible candidates so singles or pairs can appear later.

Rows or columns can form X-Wing

A row-based X-Wing removes candidates from columns. A column-based X-Wing removes candidates from rows.

Use explanations to learn faster

The step-by-step Sudoku solver shows technique names so you can connect the rule to the actual grid.

Technique practice

X-Wing Sudoku practice puzzles

These verified Hard and Expert puzzles are selected from the local puzzle bank because their solving path includes X-Wing. Each puzzle has a stable ID, so it can be opened, shared, or discussed directly.

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X-Wing puzzle bank

Practice puzzles will appear here when the puzzle bank script loads.

Sudoku X-Wing FAQ

What is an X-Wing in Sudoku?

An X-Wing is a candidate elimination pattern where the same digit appears in exactly two matching positions across two rows or two columns, forming a rectangle.

Does X-Wing place a number immediately?

Usually no. X-Wing removes candidates from other cells in the same columns or rows. Those removals often lead to later placements.

Is X-Wing an advanced Sudoku strategy?

Yes. X-Wing is usually considered an intermediate-to-advanced technique because it requires candidate tracking across multiple lines.