Start with the idea
Start with a cell that has very few choices. In this example, the cell can be 4 or 9. If trying one choice eventually breaks the rules, that choice cannot be correct, so you undo it and use the other one.
Example
5
3
7
6
1
9
5
9
8
6
8
6
3
4
8
7
2
4
9
1
4
9
6
6
3
4
9
2
8
1
5
8
7
Look here firstStart with one cell that has only two reasonable choices. In this example, the branch starts from 4 or 9.
This is a controlled branch, not a first resort.
This is labeled Guess because the analyzer had to branch, not because every player should guess first.
- Choose a cell with very few notes.
- Try one note and continue solving.
- If that branch breaks the rules, undo it and use the other choice.
cell to trynearby notes
When to look for it
Use it only when regular solving techniques stop helping, mostly in Expert and Legendary puzzles.
How to use it
- Choose a cell with only a few notes, usually two.
- Temporarily try one note and continue solving.
- If the branch breaks the rules, backtrack and place the other note.
Common mistakes
- Guessing too early hides useful logic and makes mistakes harder to diagnose.
- Keep branches controlled; do not scatter several guesses across the board.