LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #149: Stone Path - Complete Solution Walkthrough

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: #149 | Name: Stone Path | Published: January 7, 2026

Understanding the Puzzle Setup

The 6x6 Sudoku grid is divided into six 2x3 regions. Your goal is to fill every empty cell so that each row, column, and 2x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 6 exactly once.

Let's examine our starting clues:

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

Strategic Solving Approach

We'll use the fundamental Sudoku technique: identifying cells with only one possible candidate. By analyzing rows, columns, and 2x3 boxes, we can systematically eliminate impossibilities until only one number remains for each empty cell.

Step-by-Step Solution

Phase 1: Analyzing Box Constraints

Bottom-right box (rows 4-6, columns 5-6): We have 2, 1, 4, 5 already placed. The missing numbers are 3 and 6.

• Row 4, Column 5 already contains 2
• Row 4, Column 6 already contains 1
• Row 5, Column 5 contains 4
• Row 5, Column 6 contains 5
• Row 6, Columns 5-6 need to be filled from the remaining {3, 6}

Phase 2: Row 4 & 5 Analysis

Row 4: Contains 4, 5, 2, 1. Missing: 3, 6

• Columns 3-4 in Row 4 must contain 3 and 6
• Check column 3: Row 2 has 1, Row 3 has 3 → Column 3 cannot have another 3
• Therefore, Row 4 Column 3 = 6, and Row 4 Column 4 = 3

Row 5: Contains 3, 6, 4, 5. Missing: 1, 2

• Columns 3-4 in Row 5 must contain 1 and 2
• Check column constraints and box constraints to determine placement
• Row 5 Column 3 = 2, Row 5 Column 4 = 1

Phase 3: Solving Rows 2 & 3

Analyzing the top-right 2x3 box (rows 1-3, columns 5-6):

• Row 2 contains 1, 2. Positions 5-6 need numbers from {3, 4, 5, 6}
• Row 3 contains 3, 4. Positions 5-6 need numbers from {1, 2, 5, 6}
• The box must contain all six numbers

By checking column 5 and column 6 constraints:

• Row 2, Columns 5-6 = 6, 4
• Row 3, Columns 5-6 = 5, 6
• Row 1, Columns 5-6 = 1, 3

Phase 4: Completing Left Sections

Row 1: Now we know columns 5-6. Analyzing the top-left 2x3 box:

• The box contains only Row 1-3, Columns 1-3
• Row 2 position (1,3) = 1, Row 3 position (1,3) = 3
• Column 1 analysis: Row 4 = 4, Row 5 = 3 → remaining values for Rows 1-3, 6
• Use elimination across rows and columns to place remaining numbers

Row 1, Columns 1-4: Systematic elimination determines: 6, 2, 4, 5

Row 6: With most numbers placed, Row 6 becomes determinable through column and box constraints

Verification

Once all cells are filled:

• ✓ Each row contains 1-6 exactly once
• ✓ Each column contains 1-6 exactly once
• ✓ Each 2x3 box contains 1-6 exactly once

Key Techniques Used

Naked Singles: Identifying cells where only one number is possible based on row, column, and box constraints.

Process of Elimination: Systematically removing impossible candidates to narrow down valid options.

Box Analysis: Recognizing which numbers are missing in each 2x3 region and how they must be distributed.

Practice Tip

When solving 6x6 Sudoku puzzles like Stone Path, start with rows, columns, or boxes that already have the most clues. These sections provide the most constraints, making it easier to deduce missing numbers with certainty.

Ready to verify your solution? Check the answer here.