Knowledge
Sudoku Glossary: Quick Reference for Common Terms
This page compiles common Sudoku solving terms for quick reference while learning techniques.
Basic Terms
Cell
A single square on the Sudoku grid. Each cell must contain exactly one digit.
Box
A 3×3 region in standard Sudoku. Each box must contain digits 1-9 exactly once. A 9×9 Sudoku has 9 boxes.
Candidate
A possible digit for a cell. When only one candidate remains, the cell is solved.
Bi-value Cell
A cell with exactly two candidates remaining.
Chain-Related Terms
Chain
A series of links between candidates. The relationship between chain endpoints allows certain eliminations. All loops are closed chains.
Strong Link
A relationship between two candidates: if one is false, the other must be true. Can exist in bi-location cells, bi-value cells, or more complex structures.
Weak Link
A relationship between a candidate and other candidates in the same unit: if that candidate is true, all others must be false.
Locked Set Terms
Locked Set
N candidates confined to N cells. All same candidates that can see the locked set can be eliminated. Pairs, triples, etc. are locked sets.
Note:
This glossary will be continuously updated. For more detailed explanations, refer to the specific technique articles.
This glossary will be continuously updated. For more detailed explanations, refer to the specific technique articles.