LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #115 (Big Arrow) - Step-by-Step Solution Guide

Welcome to the detailed solving walkthrough for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #115 (Big Arrow), published December 4, 2025. This 6x6 Sudoku variant requires placing digits 1 through 6 in each row, column, and 2x3 block without repeats. Starting from the given clues, follow the stepwise logic below to complete the puzzle.

Initial Setup and Clues: The puzzle grid provides several fixed numbers scattered across rows and columns. These clues anchor our reasoning to determine each empty cell's value.

Step 1: Analyze Rows and Fill Obvious Singles

Begin with rows or blocks having the most clues, making missing numbers easier to identify:

Row 1: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ? 
Missing only digit 6, so place 6 in the last cell.

With Row 1 complete, check Row 2, where known digits 6 and 2 appear. The missing numbers are 1, 3, 4, 5 to distribute in the empty cells.

Step 2: Use Column Constraints to Narrow Options

Using the digits already placed in columns, eliminate candidates for each empty cell:

Column 6 has 6 (Row 1) and 2 (Row 6), so missing numbers in column 6 can’t include these.

For Row 2's last cell (Column 6), the remaining valid number is deduced by exclusion.

Step 3: Leverage 2x3 Subgrid Rules

Each 2x3 block must contain all numbers 1-6. Taking the first block (Rows 1-2, Columns 1-3), spot missing digits:

• Row 1 cells within block: 5, 4, 3
• Row 2 cells in block: 6, 2, empty
• Missing in block: 1

The empty cell in Row 2, Column 3 must therefore be a 1.

Step 4: Further Deduction for Remaining Cells

Continue this elimination through rows, columns, and blocks. For Row 3 (cells: 1, empty, 6, empty, empty, empty), know that numbers 2, 3, 4, 5 remain. Considering Column 2 has digits 4 and 2 already placed above and below, identify which digits fit where.

Step 5: Use Cross-Referencing to Confirm Digits

Apply this strategy across the grid:

• Row 4 contains 2 and 6. The empty cells in this row must be numbers 1, 3, 4, 5 in some order.
• By checking columns and blocks, each cell's candidates narrow.

Step 6: Finalizing Cells by Exclusion

Fill in cells where only one candidate remains after considering row, column, and block constraints. This chain reaction solves more cells progressively.

Advanced Notes:

If stuck, consider strategies like identifying naked singles (cells with only one possible number), pencil marking candidates, or focusing on number placement patterns in blocks.

By systematically applying these logical steps based on the clues and Sudoku rules, you efficiently reach the solution without guessing.

This methodical approach not only applies to this specific Big Arrow 6x6 Sudoku puzzle but builds strong solving intuition for any similar Sudoku challenge.