---
title: "XYZ-Wing: Three candidates in the pivot"
description: "An XYZ-Wing has a pivot X/Y/Z and two cells it sees, X/Z and Y/Z. At least one of these three cells must contain Z."
lang: "en"
canonical: "https://unisu-sudoku.app/en/sudoku-techniques/xyz-wing/"
---

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Further techniques

# XYZ-Wing: Three candidates in the pivot

An XYZ-Wing has a pivot X/Y/Z and two cells it sees, X/Z and Y/Z. At least one of these three cells must contain Z.

![Unisu lesson on XYZ-Wing, showing the explained grid](https://unisu-sudoku.app/_astro/en.CI1-Osdq_ZsVMOb.webp)

An XYZ-Wing has a pivot X/Y/Z and two cells it sees, X/Z and Y/Z. At least one of these three cells must contain Z.

Two cells see each other when they share a row, column or 3×3 box. An elimination needs the specific visibility relationships described in the reasoning.

## An example from the app

These are the complete notes of the three cells: E8: 1, 2, 7; G8: 1, 2; E9: 1, 7. E8 is the pivot with three candidates. The other two cells are its wings.

E8 either contains 1 or forces it into G8 or E9. So one of these three cells contains 1. Only cells sharing a row, column or box with each of the three may lose it.

These notes are therefore ruled out: D8: 1.

The image shows the candidates relevant to this step. A note being hidden does not mean it has been logically eliminated.

## Practice the next step

The elimination cell must see both wings and the pivot. That extra condition distinguishes it from an XY-Wing.

In the app, follow the reasoning in the matching lesson and try a task yourself. With a new puzzle, always start from its actual candidate state.

## Questions about XYZ-Wing

### How does its pivot differ from XY-Wing?

An XYZ-Wing pivot has X, Y and Z. Each wing contains two of those candidates.

### Is seeing both wings enough for elimination?

No. The target must also see the pivot, because Z could be placed there.

### Can both wings contain the same pair?

This pattern needs the two different pairs X/Z and Y/Z beside the X/Y/Z pivot.

### Why must a target see all three cells?

Z is either at the pivot or forced into a wing by its other value. The target must conflict with Z in every case.

### Which digit may I remove?

Only the shared digit Z at a valid target. The pattern does not allow arbitrary eliminations around the pivot.

## Keep practicing in Unisu

Download Unisu for iPhone or Android. Solve a puzzle or work through a guided lesson on the technique.

-   [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6775824061?l=en)
-   [Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.unisu.sudoku&hl=en)

## Useful before this guide

### XY-Wing

[Read more: XY-Wing](https://unisu-sudoku.app/en/sudoku-techniques/xy-wing/)

## Where to go next

Further techniques

Unisu · Oct 27, 2026

### [W-Wing: A matching pair joined by a strong link](https://unisu-sudoku.app/en/sudoku-techniques/w-wing/)

A W-Wing links two cells with the same candidate pair through a strong link. Follow the example to see how that connection rules out another candidate.

Unisu

### [Learn Sudoku: a path from rules to techniques – Unisu](https://unisu-sudoku.app/en/learn/)

Start with the rules, get comfortable with pencil marks and choose a technique for the situation you’re working on.

Download app

## Ready for a puzzle? Take a moment.

Download Unisu on your phone. Start a Sudoku or choose a lesson on the technique you want to understand.

-   [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6775824061?l=en)
-   [Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.unisu.sudoku&hl=en)

![The daily challenge in Unisu](https://unisu-sudoku.app/_astro/en.C-sYR9hJ_1QwI9G.webp)

![A classic Sudoku game in Unisu](https://unisu-sudoku.app/_astro/en.C6DJ1kiE_2dRWDN.webp)