Nearly Complete in Sudoku

Nearly Complete is the move one step past a Last Remaining Cell. A row, column or box has two empty cells and two missing numbers. If one of those numbers already appears in a line or box crossing one of the cells, it cannot go there, so the other number must go there, and the second cell follows immediately.

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Why it works

When a row, column, or box has two empty cells, if one of its two missing numbers is already used in a row, column, or box containing one of those cells, it cannot go in that cell, so the other missing number must go there.

How to spot it

Find a unit with two blanks, then name the two numbers it is missing. Take the first number and look along the row, column and box through each blank cell.

If either blank already sees that number, it is settled: the other missing number belongs there.
Both cells resolve from one observation, so this is the best value-for-effort move on an Easy grid.
If neither blank is blocked, move on: there is nothing here yet.

Builds on

Last Remaining Cell

Worked example

These are the app's own lesson boards. Step through them the same way a hint does.

PatternAnswerContextBlockerElimination

5

3

4

6

7

8

9

12

2

Step 1 of 3

Nearly Complete: the pattern as the app draws it during a hint.

1
This row only needs 1, 2.
2
2 is already in the same column, so it cannot go in this cell.
3
Only 1 remains for this cell!

Where it fits

The game looks for the easiest technique that applies before it offers you a harder one. Nearly Complete sits at position 2 of 37 on that ladder, which is why puzzles that need it are graded Easy.

Learn before thisLast Remaining Cell Learn after thisNaked Single

Other Easy techniques

Last Remaining Cell Naked Single