LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #134 Candy Cane - Complete Solution Walkthrough

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku continues to challenge puzzle enthusiasts with daily brain-teasers designed to test your logical reasoning skills. In this guide, we'll walk through Mini Sudoku #134 Candy Cane, breaking down each step needed to complete this 6x6 grid puzzle.

Understanding the Puzzle Layout

This 6x6 Sudoku variant requires you to fill in the grid so that each row, column, and 2x3 rectangular section contains the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. Let's examine the given clues and work methodically through the solution.

Starting Position

The puzzle begins with several prefilled cells strategically placed to guide your solution:

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

Step-by-Step Solution Strategy

Row 1 Analysis

Row 1 contains 2, 3, and 1. It's missing 4, 5, and 6. By analyzing the columns and 2x3 sections:

• Column 1 already has 4, 1, 3, and 2, leaving 5 and 6. Position (1,1) must be 5 or 6.
• Column 6 contains 3 and 5, so position (1,6) must accommodate Row 1's missing numbers.
• The top-right 2x3 section needs specific digits based on what's already placed.

Working through the constraints: Row 1 becomes 5, 6, 2, 3, 1, 4

Row 2 Deductions

Row 2 has 4, 1, and 2, needing 3, 5, and 6. Examining intersections with columns and sections:

• Position (2,2): The top-left 2x3 section contains 4, 1, and 2. It needs 3, 5, and 6.
• Column 2 analysis eliminates certain possibilities.
• Position (2,4) and (2,6) complete the row logically.

Row 2 resolves to 4, 3, 1, 5, 2, 6

Row 3 Logic

Row 3 starts with 1 and 3, missing 2, 4, 5, and 6. This is where cascading logic from rows above becomes crucial:

• The middle-left 2x3 section already has 1, which limits placement options for row 3's contribution.
• Column constraints from adjacent columns provide strong hints.
• Once you resolve positions (3,2) and (3,3), the remaining cells follow naturally.

Row 3 becomes 1, 4, 6, 2, 3, 5

Row 4 Progression

Row 4 has 3, 5, and 4. The remaining numbers are 1, 2, and 6. By this point in the puzzle:

• Column constraints significantly narrow possibilities.
• The middle-right and bottom-right 2x3 sections guide placements.
• Most deductions become forced rather than requiring multiple scenarios.

Row 4 completes as 3, 2, 5, 6, 4, 1

Rows 5 & 6 Final Stages

With four rows complete, rows 5 and 6 have severely limited options:

• Row 5 already has 2, 5, 4. Missing 1, 3, and 6. Column positions determine exact placement.
• Row 6 is the final row, where all remaining numbers must fit based on columns and the bottom 2x3 sections.

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

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

Key Solving Techniques Used

• Column Scanning: Identifying which digits are missing in each column helps eliminate impossible placements.
• Section Analysis: Each 2x3 rectangle must contain 1-6, which significantly constrains possibilities.
• Intersection Logic: Where row and column requirements meet, you can often determine exact values.
• Cascading Deduction: Solving one cell often reveals the solution for multiple adjacent cells.

Verification

After completing the puzzle, verify your solution by:

• Checking each row contains digits 1-6 exactly once
• Confirming every column has all six digits
• Validating each 2x3 section is complete

This systematic approach ensures you not only solve the puzzle but understand the logical reasoning behind each placement. Practice these techniques with daily LinkedIn Mini Sudoku challenges to improve your solving speed and accuracy.