VWXYZ-Wing
Level 10 · Brown Belt
Overview
VWXYZ-Wing uses five cells whose combined candidates total exactly five digits. When properly configured with a pivot and wings, a restricted common candidate can be eliminated from cells seeing all pattern members.
How It Works
- Find five cells whose union of candidates contains exactly five digits {V,W,X,Y,Z}.
- One cell (pivot) sees the other four (wings).
- Identify the restricted candidate that must be in one of the pattern cells.
- Eliminate it from cells that see all cells containing that candidate.
Example
Found a 5-Y-Wing pattern. The pivot cell R2C2 has candidates connected to a 4-cell wing group.
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Tips & Patterns
- VWXYZ-Wings are rare and extend the N-Y-Wing family to 5 cells.
- The pattern is equivalent to an Almost Locked Set interaction.
- Computer assistance is usually needed to find these reliably.