How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #120 (Revisited) - December 9, 2025

Welcome to the detailed walkthrough for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #120 (Revisited), a challenging 6x6 Sudoku puzzle published on December 9, 2025. This puzzle requires filling in a 6x6 grid where each row, column, and 2x3 box contains digits 1 through 6 exactly once. Some cells are initially filled with clues to guide you.

Let's explore the logical steps to solve this specific puzzle, explaining the reasoning behind each empty cell as it gets filled.

Starting Point: Initial Clues

The puzzle presents certain numbers prefilled in various rows and columns. These fixed digits anchor our deductions as we proceed through the puzzle.

Step-by-Step Reasoning

Filling the First Row

• Row 1 has two clues: '1' in column 2 and '4' in column 5. The digits 2, 3, 5, and 6 remain to be placed.
• Check the boxes intersecting Row 1. The top-left 2x3 box shows a '3' at Row 3, Column 1 (bottom-left of box), so '3' can't be in the first row's first column based on box restrictions.
• By examining columns and boxes that already contain certain numbers, deduce where remaining digits fit. For example, Column 1 includes a '3' at Row 3, so '3' can't go there in Row 1; similarly, '6' might be the only candidate in that position.
• Fill these cells accordingly by process of elimination and single possibilities.

Addressing the Second Row

• Row 2 clues include '2' in Column 3 and '3' in Column 4, limiting options for other positions.
• Since some numbers appear in adjacent rows or boxes, exclude them from certain cells and narrow down possible placements.
• For example, if '2' is already in Column 3 and Row 2, we cannot place another '2' in the same column or box, so other cells in the row must take different numbers.
• Use pencil marks or notes to track possible digits within unsettled cells.

Analyzing the Central Boxes

• The middle 2x3 boxes intersect Rows 3 and 4 and provide opportunities to place digits based on the exclusion from rows and columns.
• Since these boxes must contain all digits from 1 to 6, check which numbers are missing and examine where they can fit logically.
• For instance, Row 3 has '3' in Column 1 and '4' in Column 6, suggesting certain digits cannot repeat in the boxes overlapping with these positions.

Completing Rows Four to Six

• Rows 4, 5, and 6 each have partial clues; analyze row-wise and box-wise constraints to deduce missing numbers.
• Focus on overlaps between rows, columns, and boxes to find cells with only one logical candidate (the 'naked singles').
• For example, Row 4 has '1' in Column 1 and '5' in Column 6. Use this with column and box data to restrict possible digits in unfilled cells.
• Similarly, inspect Rows 5 and 6 by checking digit occurrences and eliminate impossibilities step by step.

Key Solving Techniques Applied

• Single Possibility: Whenever a cell is found to have only one valid digit based on elimination, fill it immediately.
• Exclusion: Numbers already present in the same row, column, or box exclude those digits from empty cells.
• Box-Line Interaction: Using the fact a digit confined to a row or column within a box can eliminate candidates from other parts of the box.
• Cross-checking Rows and Columns: Continuously update possible values as you fill cells to enable further deductions.

Progression Summary

By carefully applying these logical steps—examining each empty cell’s possibilities in relation to its row, column, and 2x3 box—you can progressively fill the grid without guessing. Each decision narrows down options, leading naturally to the unique solution.

This methodical approach ensures consistency with Sudoku’s rules and leads to efficiently solving the LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #120 puzzle.

For detailed solutions and step visuals, please refer to the official LinkedIn Mini Sudoku solution resources.