Start with the idea
Start with two matching two-note cells. In this example, both wing cells are 2/9, and a 2-link connects them. That means one wing must be 9, so a cell that sees both wings cannot keep 9.
Look for this pattern
Look for a few connected squares that share candidates. One shared number may be removable from squares that see the whole pattern.
This empty board keeps the puzzle numbers out of the way so the pattern is easier to see.
Example
5
3
6
2
9
1
2
8
6
8
6
3
8
4
7
9
3
1
7
2
6
6
2
2
9
4
1
9
5
8
7
Look here firstLook at the two 2/9 cells. The 2-link between them means one of those two cells must be 9.
This technique reviews candidates instead of solving a square right away.
Because one wing must be 9, any cell that sees both wings cannot keep 9.
- Find two cells with the same two notes.
- Connect them with a two-choice link on one note.
- Remove the other note from cells that see both wings.
cells in the patterntwo-choice linknotes to remove
When to look for it
Use it when two cells have the same pair of notes and a two-choice link connects one of those notes elsewhere.
How to use it
- Find two cells with the same two notes.
- Find a two-choice link on one of those notes that connects the pair.
- Remove the other note from cells that touch both two-note cells.
Common mistakes
- The two wing cells must be two-note and match exactly.
- The connecting link uses one note; the removal is for the other note.