Bi-value Universal Grave

A Bi-value Universal Grave (BUG) is a grid state where every unsolved cell contains exactly two candidates, and no Hidden Singles are present. This is a type of Deadly Pattern that cannot appear in a valid Sudoku puzzle


  1. We should avoid this deadly pattern from appearing in our Sudoku. Consider this example
BUG technique - Initial example

  1. All of these cells, except the highlighted one, have exactly two candidates left, while the highlighted cell has three candidates
BUG technique - find the cell with 3 candidates

  1. If we were to remove candidate 3 from this cell, we would get more than one valid solution for this Sudoku. So we can safely remove all other candidates from this cell
Sudoku grid after applying BUG technique