How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #189 U-Turn: Complete Strategy Guide

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: #189 | Puzzle Name: U-Turn | Published: February 16, 2026

Understanding the Puzzle Setup

This 6x6 Mini Sudoku puzzle presents 12 clue cells strategically placed across the grid. Each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1-6 exactly once. Let's break down the initial state:

Given Clues:

• Row 1: 2 at column 3, 3 at column 4
• Row 2: 4 at column 1, 6 at column 3, 5 at column 4, 1 at column 6
• Row 3: 5 at column 1, 2 at column 6
• Row 4: 3 at column 3, 1 at column 4
• Row 5: 3 at column 1, 4 at column 6
• Row 6: 1 at column 2, 4 at column 3, 2 at column 4, 5 at column 5

Solving Strategy: Elimination Technique

The most effective approach for this puzzle is systematic elimination—checking each empty cell against its row, column, and 2x3 box to identify which numbers are still possible.

Step-by-Step Solution Walkthrough

Phase 1: Starting with Highly Constrained Regions

Begin by identifying cells where only one number can fit. These naked singles are easiest to solve and create a cascade effect for surrounding cells.

Row 6 Analysis: This row already contains five clues (1, 4, 2, 5, and the missing cell at column 1). With only one missing digit, we can determine what must fill the empty cell. This row becomes your quickest solving opportunity.

Phase 2: Working with Box Constraints

Focus on the 2x3 boxes with the most filled cells. The bottom-left box (rows 5-6, columns 1-3) contains: 3, 1, 4, 2, and 5. Only one digit is missing—find it by elimination.

Similarly, examine the bottom-right box (rows 5-6, columns 4-6). Count which digits from 1-6 are already present, then determine what's missing.

Phase 3: Cross-Hatching the Middle Sections

Use cross-hatching to narrow possibilities. For example, in Row 4:

• Already contains: 3, 1
• Missing digits: 2, 4, 5, 6
• Check column constraints for each empty cell
• Check box constraints for each empty cell

The intersection of row, column, and box constraints will reveal forced placements.

Phase 4: Top Section Resolution

Row 1 contains only two clues (2 and 3). Use the columns to determine candidates:

• Column 1: Already has 4, 5, 3—missing 1, 2, 6
• Column 2: Already has 1—missing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Column 5: Already has 5—missing 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
• Column 6: Already has 1, 2, 4—missing 3, 5, 6

Apply box constraints to narrow these further.

Phase 5: Row 2 and Row 3 Completion

Row 2 has four clues, making it highly constrained. Identify the two missing digits by checking which numbers from 1-6 aren't yet placed.

Row 3 contains 5 and 2. Using column and box elimination, determine which of the missing digits (1, 3, 4, 6) belong in each empty cell.

Key Solving Principles Applied

• Work the most constrained regions first: Areas with more filled cells have fewer possibilities, making deductions faster and more reliable
• Use triple constraint checking: Every cell must satisfy row, column, AND box requirements simultaneously
• Look for cascading effects: Solving one cell often forces multiple other placements through constraint propagation
• Verify each placement: Before moving forward, confirm that your solution doesn't violate any Sudoku rules

Advanced Observation

Notice how the clue placement creates a symmetrical pattern—a hint in puzzle design. This symmetry often indicates that certain regions will mirror each other in their solutions, which can serve as a verification tool.

Final Approach

Continue applying elimination through all remaining empty cells. As the grid fills, constraints become stronger, and deductions become more obvious. By the final cells, you may find only one possibility remains without any conscious elimination needed.

This puzzle demonstrates that even with only 12 initial clues, systematic logical deduction is sufficient to reach a unique solution. The key is methodical constraint checking rather than guessing.

Ready to verify your solution? Check the complete answer on our solution page.