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Choice Minimisation
When several places on the board could be worked next, choosing the one with the fewest remaining possibilities.
Why it works
A row or column close to resolved is more likely to yield a mark than one with many options still open. Working the tightest spot first keeps progress compounding.
Trigger
A choice of where to focus next, with no clue currently forcing the next move.
Common mistake
Working wherever the eye happens to land, instead of scanning for the row or column closest to a forced conclusion.
Example
A row with two candidates left is worth checking before a row with four — it is more likely to resolve, and resolving it may narrow the others too.