Intermediate Technique

Pointing Triples

An intermediate technique that extends pointing pairs to three cells, using box-line interactions for powerful eliminations.

What Are Pointing Triples?

A Pointing Triple occurs when a specific number can only appear in three cells within a 3×3 box, and those three cells all lie in the same row or column. This "points" toward eliminations in the rest of that row or column.

Key Concept

Since the number must appear somewhere in those three cells within the box, it cannot appear anywhere else in that same row or column outside the box.

Pointing Triple Pattern

7
7
7

Number 7 can only go in the top row of this box

Elimination Result

7
7
7
...
7
7
7

Eliminate 7 from rest of the row

How to Identify Pointing Triples

The Process

  1. 1 Focus on a specific 3×3 box
  2. 2 For each number, find where it can appear in the box
  3. 3 Look for numbers confined to exactly three cells in the same row or column
  4. 4 Eliminate that number from all other cells in the same row or column

Recognition Patterns

Row Pointing:
Three cells in same row of a box
Column Pointing:
Three cells in same column of a box
L-Shape:
Two cells in one line, one in another (still same row/column)

💡 Pro Tip: Check each box systematically for numbers with limited placement options.

Visual Example

In this example, the number 6 can only appear in three cells of the top-left box, all in the same row.

Before: Identify the Pointing Triple

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
7
8
9
4
5
6
7
8
9

Number 6 can only appear in the top row of the top-left box (green), so it can be eliminated from the rest of the row (red with strikethrough)

After: Apply Eliminations

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
4
5
6
7
8
9

After elimination, this often leads to new obvious singles in the affected row

Pointing Triples vs. Pointing Pairs

Pointing Triples

  • • Uses three cells in the same line within a box
  • • More common than pointing pairs
  • • Can appear in L-shaped patterns within the box
  • • Provides the same elimination power

Pointing Pairs

  • • Uses two cells in the same line within a box
  • • Less common but easier to spot
  • • Always appear in adjacent cells
  • • Usually more restrictive constraint

Strategy: Check for pointing pairs first as they're easier to spot, then look for pointing triples when pairs aren't available.

When to Use Pointing Triples

Best Situations

  • ✓ When basic techniques reach a dead end
  • ✓ In boxes with many given numbers
  • ✓ When certain numbers have limited placement options
  • ✓ In intermediate to advanced puzzles

Common Mistakes

  • × Not checking all nine boxes systematically
  • × Missing L-shaped pointing patterns
  • × Eliminating from the wrong row/column
  • × Confusing with box-line reduction (claiming)

Practice Tips

Development Strategy

  1. 1. Master pointing pairs first
  2. 2. Systematically check each box for pointing patterns
  3. 3. Look for numbers with 2-3 placement options in a box
  4. 4. Always verify eliminations before applying

Recognition Training

  • • Focus on one number at a time per box
  • • Check both row and column pointing possibilities
  • • Practice with puzzles that have many constraints
  • • Combine with other box-line interaction techniques

Related Techniques

Pointing Pairs

Learn the simpler two-cell version first

Learn technique →

Box-Line Reduction

The reverse of pointing - claiming for boxes

Learn technique →

Obvious Triples

Another intermediate elimination technique

Learn technique →

Ready to Practice Pointing Triples?

Apply your knowledge of box-line interactions with intermediate Sudoku puzzles.

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