Basic Fish
Points.
All fish are single digit patterns. Basic fish like X-Wings and Swordfish have
equal numbers of rows and columns. For an X-Wing, it is either 2 row truths
and 2 column links or 2 column truths and 2 row links. A Swordfish is the
same with 3 truths and 3 links, Jellyfish are 4, and Greatfish (Squirmbags)
are 5. The patterns below examples of each fish. In real fish except X-Wings,
it is not necessary to have all possible candidates. See X-Wings, Swordfish,
Jellyfish, and Greatfish.
X-Wing Pattern. The
pattern to the right shows an X-Wing pattern made of two (red) truths in
rows 3 and six. The candidates in the two rows see each other (linked green)
in columns 3 and 6. The yellow candidates show all the locations where
candidates can be eliminated. An X-Wing, link all basic fish, is rank 0.
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Swordfish Pattern. This
Swordfish pattern has 3 truths covered by three links as opposed to an X-Wing
with 2 truths and 2 links. The logical reasoning is the same as the X-Wing,
if all the candidates in 3 truths are contained in 3 links, then no other
candidates in the links can be true, and can be removed.
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Swordfish Pattern, Minimal.
This pattern shows a swordfish with the smallest possible number of
candidates. If the center candidate is removed, the logic is still valid
but it's called an X-Cycle. Only one example elimination is shown.
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Jellyfish Pattern.
This Jellyfish is the size 4 member of the basic fish family. Only
one example elimination is shown.
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Greatfish Pattern.
A Greatfish has a size of 5 but it is sometimes argued that they are not
required as other, smaller patterns should exist along with the Greatfish.
A Greatfish is more commonly referred to as a Squirmbag. Only one example
elimination is shown.
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