LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #116 Satellite - Complete Solving Strategy

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle #116: Satellite | Difficulty: Intermediate

Understanding the Starting Grid

Let's begin by visualizing the puzzle with the given clues:

Row 1: 2 3 _ _ _ _
Row 2: 1 _ _ _ _ _
Row 3: _ _ 2 3 _ _
Row 4: _ _ 5 4 _ _
Row 5: _ _ _ _ _ 6
Row 6: _ _ _ _ 4 5

Your goal is to fill each empty cell so that every row, column, and 2×3 box contains the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. Let's work through this systematically using logical deduction.

Solving Strategy: Working Through Each Section

Step 1: Analyze the Top-Left 2×3 Box

The top-left box already has 2, 3, and 1 filled in. It needs 4, 5, and 6. Looking at Row 2:

• Row 2 has 1 in position 1
• Column 2 already has 3 in Row 1
• The empty cells in this box must contain 4, 5, and 6

By checking what numbers are already used in columns 2 and 3 of rows 1-2, we can determine that Row 1, Column 3 cannot be 2 or 3 (already in Row 1). Column 3 check reveals which numbers are still needed.

Step 2: Focus on Column 5 and 6

Notice that Row 6 already has 4 and 5 in the last two positions. This means Row 6 needs 1, 2, 3, and 6 in the first four positions.

Column 6 currently has only 6 in Row 5. Looking at what each row needs:

• Row 1 needs: 1, 4, 5, 6 (has 2, 3)
• Row 2 needs: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (has 1)
• Row 3 needs: 1, 4, 5, 6 (has 2, 3)

Step 3: Use the Bottom-Right 2×3 Box

The bottom-right box (Rows 5-6, Columns 5-6) has 6, 4, and 5. It needs 1, 2, and 3.

Row 5, Column 5 must be one of these missing numbers. Row 6, Columns 5-6 already have 4 and 5, so Row 6 in this region only needs positions filled from Column 4 backward.

Step 4: Apply Row and Column Elimination

For Row 1:

• Positions 3-6 need: 1, 4, 5, 6
• Column 3 cannot have 2 or 5 (already present in that column)
• Column 4 cannot have 3 or 4 (already present in that column)

This narrows down the possibilities significantly. Continue this process for each empty cell, checking constraints from its row, column, and 2×3 box.

Step 5: Middle Rows - Rows 3 and 4

The middle-left 2×3 box (Rows 3-4, Columns 1-3) has 2, 3, 5, and 4. It needs 1 and 6.

Rows 3 and 4 each need specific numbers. By process of elimination:

• Row 3, Column 1 and Row 4, Column 1 must contain numbers not yet used in Column 1
• The box constraint limits these to 1 and 6

Step 6: Complete Remaining Cells

Continue applying the three fundamental rules:

1. Row Rule: Each row must contain 1-6 exactly once
2. Column Rule: Each column must contain 1-6 exactly once
3. Box Rule: Each 2×3 box must contain 1-6 exactly once

For each empty cell, identify which numbers are possible based on what's already in its row, column, and box. When only one number is possible, fill it in. This often creates new opportunities to deduce other cells.

Key Solving Tips for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku

Start with constrained areas: Look for rows, columns, or boxes that already have most numbers filled. These are easiest to complete.

Scan by number: Pick one digit (like 1) and identify where it can possibly go in each 2×3 box. Often, there's only one valid location.

Cross-reference carefully: Before placing a number, double-check that it doesn't violate any of the three constraints.

Build momentum: Each correctly placed number reduces possibilities for neighboring cells, creating a cascade effect that accelerates solving.

Practice These Techniques

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku puzzles reward logical thinking and systematic elimination. By mastering these step-by-step strategies, you'll develop intuition for spotting patterns and solving puzzles faster each day. Challenge yourself to complete the Satellite puzzle using these techniques, then verify your solution against the complete grid to reinforce your understanding.