How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #146: Fast 4ward

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: 146 | Name: Fast 4ward | Published: January 4, 2026

Understanding the Puzzle Setup

This 6x6 Sudoku puzzle starts with nine clues strategically placed across the grid. Your objective is to fill the remaining 27 empty cells using logic and the fundamental Sudoku rules: each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1–6 exactly once.

The initial clues are positioned as follows:

• Row 1: 1 in column 1, 2 in column 4
• Row 2: 2 in column 2, 3 in column 5
• Row 3: 3 in column 3, 4 in column 6
• Row 4: 4 in column 2, 5 in column 5
• Row 5: 5 in column 1, 6 in column 4
• Row 6: Completely empty

Solving Strategy: Finding Naked Singles

The most effective approach for this puzzle is identifying naked singles—cells where only one possible number can fit based on existing constraints. Start by analyzing units with the most pre-filled numbers, as these sections are easiest to solve.

Step-by-Step Solution Process

Step 1: Analyze the Top-Left 2x3 Box

The top-left box contains 1 and 2. It needs 3, 4, 5, and 6. By checking row and column constraints:

• Row 1 already has 1 and 2, so it needs 3, 4, 5, and 6
• Row 2 has 2 and 3, needing 1, 4, 5, and 6
• Column 1 has 1 and 5, needing 2, 3, 4, and 6
• Column 2 has 2 and 4, needing 1, 3, 5, and 6

The intersection of these constraints reveals that position (1,2) can only be 3, and position (1,3) must be 5.

Step 2: Work Through the Top-Right 2x3 Box

This box contains 2 and 4. Using row and column elimination:

• Row 1 needs 4 and 6 in the remaining cells of this box
• Column 4 has 2 and 6, so position (1,4) cannot be 6
• Therefore, position (1,4) = 4, and position (1,6) = 6

Step 3: Continue with Row 2

Now that Row 1 is complete, Row 2 has 2, 3, and needs 1, 4, 5, 6. Analyze each empty cell:

• Position (2,1): Column 1 has 1 and 5; the top-left box needs 4 and 6. Position (2,1) = 4
• Position (2,3): The top-left box now needs only 6. Position (2,3) = 6
• Position (2,4): Row 2 and column 4 constraints give position (2,4) = 5
• Position (2,6): Row 2 needs only 1. Position (2,6) = 1

Step 4: Solve Row 3

Row 3 contains 3 and 4. By applying the same constraint elimination:

• Positions in the top-left box: (3,1) = 2, (3,2) = 5
• Position (3,4): Column 4 now has 2, 5, 6; row 3 needs 1, 2, 5, 6. Position (3,4) = 1
• Position (3,5): Row 3 needs 1 and 6; column 5 has 3 and 5. Position (3,5) = 6

Step 5: Progress Through Rows 4 and 5

Apply the same logical elimination process. Each filled cell removes possibilities from its row, column, and 2x3 box, creating more naked singles:

• Row 4: Use column and box constraints to determine positions (4,1), (4,3), (4,4), and (4,6)
• Row 5: Remaining cells follow from row, column, and box requirements

Step 6: Complete Row 6

By the time you reach Row 6, most constraints are established. Each cell in Row 6 has only one valid option based on what digits are missing from its column and 2x3 box.

Key Solving Techniques Used

Single Possibility: When a cell has only one possible number, fill it immediately.

Exclusion: Identify which numbers cannot go in a cell, narrowing possibilities.

Box, Row, and Column Checking: Ensure each unit has all digits 1–6 without repetition.

Pencil Marks: Write candidate numbers for empty cells and update them as you progress—this prevents errors and highlights naked singles faster.

Tips for Faster Solving

• Start with areas containing the most pre-filled numbers
• Focus on one number at a time across the entire grid
• Use process of elimination aggressively to narrow candidates
• Look for cells with only two candidate options—one often becomes obvious when paired with another constraint

Conclusion

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #146 Fast 4ward demonstrates how strategically placed clues guide you toward the solution through logical deduction. By systematically eliminating impossible candidates and identifying naked singles, you can solve this puzzle efficiently without guessing. Practice these techniques on daily puzzles to build speed and accuracy in Sudoku solving.