How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #158: High + Low

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: #158 | Challenge Type: High + Low | Published: January 16, 2026

The 6x6 Sudoku puzzle presents a satisfying challenge with just enough clues to guide you toward the solution. Let's walk through the solving process step-by-step, revealing how logic and deduction crack this puzzle.

Understanding the Puzzle Layout

Your starting grid has these prefilled numbers:

[ _, 5, _, _, _, 6]
[4, _, 6, _, 5, _]
[_, _, _, 4, _, _]
[_, 2, _, _, _, 1]
[1, _, 3, _, 2, _]
[_, _, _, 3, _, _]

Remember: each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once.

Step-by-Step Solving Strategy

Starting with High-Frequency Numbers

Begin by analyzing which numbers appear most frequently in the clues. The number 5 appears three times, giving you strong constraints to work with. Focus on the rows and columns containing these frequent digits first, as they offer the most elimination opportunities.

Row 2 Analysis: Building from the Left

Row 2 has four clues: [4, _, 6, _, 5, _]. Missing numbers are 1, 2, and 3.

• Position (2,2): Check column 2. It contains 5 and 2, so this cell cannot be either. Check the top-left 2x3 box: it has 4, 6, and 5. The missing numbers in this box are 1, 2, and 3. Column 2 needs 1, 3, 4, and 6. The intersection tells us this cell can be 1 or 3. Using the pointing pair technique with box constraints, deduce this is 1.
• Position (2,4): Column 4 already has 4 and 3. Row 2 needs 2 and 3 in positions 4 and 6. Since column 4 cannot accept 3, this cell must be 2.
• Position (2,6): The remaining number in row 2 is 3.

Row 5 Completion: Narrow Candidates

Row 5 shows [1, _, 3, _, 2, _]. Missing numbers are 4, 5, and 6.

• Position (5,2): Column 2 now has 5, 1, and 2. It needs 3, 4, and 6. The bottom-left box (rows 5-6, columns 1-3) contains 1 and 3, needing 2, 4, 5, and 6. The intersection indicates this cell is 4.
• Position (5,4): Column 4 has 4, 3, and 2. Row 5 needs 5 and 6. Check the bottom-right box: it contains 2 and 3, needing 1, 4, 5, and 6. This cell must be 6.
• Position (5,6): The remaining number is 5.

Column 1 Deduction

Column 1 has 4 and 1. It needs 2, 3, 5, and 6.

• Position (1,1): Row 1 has 5 and 6, needing 1, 2, 3, and 4. The top-left box needs 1, 2, and 3. This position must satisfy all constraints: 3.
• Position (3,1): Row 3 is mostly empty. The middle-left box (rows 3-4, columns 1-3) contains 2 and 3, needing 1, 4, 5, and 6. Column 1 at this point needs 2, 5, and 6. The intersection gives 5.
• Position (4,1): The middle-left box still needs 1, 4, and 6. Row 4 has 2 and 1, needing 3, 4, 5, and 6. Column 1 needs 2 and 6. This cell is 6.
• Position (6,1): Column 1's last cell is 2.

Row 1 Continuation

Row 1 is [3, 5, _, 1, 4, 6] with only position (1,3) empty. The missing number is 2.

Filling Remaining Cells Using Box and Column Logic

Continue applying the same logic:

• Position (3,2): Column 2 needs 3 and 6. Row 3 determines which fits: 3.
• Position (3,3): The middle-left box needs 1 and 4. Row 3 needs 1, 2, and 6. This cell is 1.
• Position (3,5): Row 3 needs 2 and 6. Column 5 analysis shows 6.
• Position (3,6): Row 3's final cell is 2.

Continue methodically through rows 4 and 6 using the same elimination strategies. Each remaining cell becomes a logical deduction when you examine its row, column, and 2x3 box constraints.

Key Solving Techniques Used

• Naked Singles: Identifying cells where only one number can fit based on row, column, and box constraints.
• Pointing Pairs: When a candidate appears in only one position within a box and in a particular row or column, eliminating that candidate elsewhere in that row or column.
• Process of Elimination: Systematically removing impossible candidates until one solution remains.

Practice Tips for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku

As you practice daily Sudoku puzzles, remember that starting with the most constrained cells (those in rows, columns, or boxes with the most clues) accelerates your solving speed. Use pencil marks to track candidates in empty cells, and focus on one number at a time across the entire grid to spot patterns quickly.

Ready to verify your solution? Check the answer key to confirm your logical deductions matched the official solution.