A user identifies desired target elements in a two dimensional matrix. A set of interesting cuts is created. The maximum potential gain in isolated target elements for each cut in the set of interesting cuts is calculated. The cut with the greatest potential gain is applied to the matrix and removed from the set of interesting cuts. The maximum potential gain for each remaining cut in the set of interesting cuts is recalculated given the cuts applied so far. With each iteration, the cut providing the maximum potential gain is applied to the matrix, removed from the set of interesting cuts, and the maximum gain for each remaining cut is recalculated given the cuts applied to the matrix so far.