How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #162: Big 🔺

Welcome to the complete solution guide for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #162, the Big 🔺 puzzle. This 6x6 Sudoku challenge requires each row, column, and 2x3 block to contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. Let's break down the solving process step-by-step using logical deduction techniques.

Understanding the Starting Position

The puzzle begins with 16 clues strategically placed across the grid. Our goal is to fill the remaining 20 empty cells using Sudoku logic and elimination strategies. Here's the initial setup:

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

Step-by-Step Solving Strategy

Step 1: Solve Row 1 (The Easiest Starting Point)

Row 1 already contains 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Using basic elimination, Row 1, Column 6 must be 6. This is our first complete row and gives us valuable information for the blocks and columns below.

Step 2: Focus on Units with Most Givens

Following the principle of starting with blocks containing the most pre-filled numbers, examine the top-left 2x3 block. It already has 1, 2, 3, and 5. By checking what's missing and what other constraints exist in Row 2 and Column 2, we can determine:

Row 2, Column 2 = 4 (completes the top-left block with digits 1-6)

Step 3: Use Column Analysis

Column 2 now contains: 2, 4, 5, and needs 1, 3, 6. By analyzing Row 4 and Row 6:

Row 4, Column 2 = 6
Row 6, Column 2 = 1

Step 4: Eliminate Candidates Systematically

Continue this process of elimination across rows, columns, and 2x3 blocks. For example:

• Row 2 needs 2, 3, 4, 6. Combined with column constraints, position by position becomes clear.
• Column 6 needs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. Cross-reference with row requirements.
• The bottom-right 2x3 block requires careful attention to both row and column restrictions.

Step 5: Identify Naked Singles

As you fill more cells, "naked singles" emerge—cells where only one digit is possible. For instance:

Row 3, Column 1 = 3 (becomes clear once surrounding cells are filled)

Step 6: Work Through Remaining Cells

Systematically apply the process of elimination to fill:

• Row 2: Use the constraint that it needs 2, 3, 6 in columns 3, 4, 5
• Row 3: Combine column and block requirements for empty cells
• Row 4: Positions 1, 4, 5 are determined by row, column, and block analysis
• Row 5: Three empty cells require careful multi-constraint analysis
• Row 6: The final row's empty cells are solved through remaining constraints

Key Solving Techniques Used

Process of Elimination: For each empty cell, list possible candidates based on what digits already appear in its row, column, and 2x3 block. Remove impossible options.

Focusing on Constrained Areas: Units with the most given numbers provide the easiest starting points, as they have fewer candidates to consider.

Column and Block Intersection: When a digit appears in multiple locations within a block or row, its position in an intersecting column becomes clearer.

Final Tips for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku Success

• Always start with rows, columns, or blocks containing the most pre-filled numbers
• Use pencil marks mentally or on paper to track candidates in each cell
• Focus on one number at a time across the entire grid when solving difficult areas
• Verify your work by checking each row, column, and 2x3 block contains all digits 1-6

With these strategies, you'll solve the Big 🔺 puzzle efficiently. Ready to check your solution? Visit our solution page to verify your work and tackle the next daily LinkedIn Mini Sudoku challenge!