Start with the idea
Start with a two-note pivot. In this example, the pivot is 1/2. If the pivot is 1, one wing is forced; if it is 2, the other wing is forced. Either way, one wing must be 7, so a cell that sees both wings cannot keep 7.
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
6
3
7
8
1
2
7
5
9
6
8
6
3
4
1
7
8
1
2
3
6
6
2
8
4
9
5
8
7
Look here firstStart with the 1/2 pivot. Whichever number the pivot uses, one of the two wing cells must be 7.
This technique reviews candidates instead of solving a square right away.
The red cell sees both wings, so it cannot keep 7.
- Find a two-note pivot.
- Find two wings that each share one pivot note and one outside note.
- Remove the outside note from cells that see both wings.
pivot cellcells in the patternnotes to remove
When to look for it
Use it when a two-note pivot touches two wing cells that each share one pivot note and one common note.
How to use it
- Find a pivot cell with exactly two notes.
- Find two wing cells that each share one pivot note and also share one outside note.
- Remove that outside note from cells that touch both wings.
Common mistakes
- The two wings do not need to see each other.
- Only cells touching both wings lose the shared note.