How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #163: Small Triangles

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: 163 | Name: Small Triangles

6x6 Sudoku puzzles offer an excellent introduction to logical puzzle-solving. Unlike their larger 9x9 cousins, these compact grids are perfect for quick mental exercises. In this guide, we'll walk through LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #163 step-by-step, explaining the reasoning behind each move.

Understanding the Puzzle Layout

Your 6x6 grid contains six 2x3 rectangular boxes arranged in a 2×3 pattern. Each row, column, and box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. The puzzle begins with these clues:

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

Step-by-Step Solution Strategy

Phase 1: Identifying Naked Singles

Start by examining rows, columns, and boxes with the most given numbers. These areas contain naked singles—cells where only one digit is possible.

Row 2 Analysis: Contains 1, 2, 3, 4. Missing digits are 5 and 6. The first cell and last cell must be filled with these numbers. By checking column constraints, we can narrow down possibilities.

Row 6 Analysis: Has 4 and 5 in the first two cells. This row needs 1, 2, 3, and 6. The remaining cells require careful column and box analysis.

Phase 2: Using Box Constraints

The middle-right box (containing rows 1-3, columns 4-6) has 3, 4, 5 already placed in Row 3. This constrains Row 1 and Row 2's final cells significantly.

Row 3 Column 1: Row 3 needs 1, 2, and 6. By checking what's already in Column 1 (which has 3 and 4), and what the top-left box needs, we can determine this cell's value through elimination.

Phase 3: Column-Based Deduction

Column 1: Already contains 3 and 4. Needs 1, 2, 5, and 6 distributed among the remaining empty cells.

Column 4: Contains 3, 4, and 6. Requires 1, 2, and 5 in the remaining cells.

By focusing on one number at a time, as suggested in solving strategies, track where 1 must go in Column 4—it can only fit in Row 1, Row 5, or Row 6. Box constraints further narrow this down.

Phase 4: Bottom-Left Box Resolution

The bottom-left box (rows 4-6, columns 1-3) contains only 3 and 4. It needs 1, 2, 5, and 6. By examining row and column constraints:

Row 5 already has 3 and 1, needing 2, 4, 5, and 6. The empty cells in this row must satisfy both the row and box requirements. Systematically eliminate impossible candidates.

Phase 5: Process of Elimination

With each cell you complete, previously ambiguous cells become naked singles. For example:

• Once Row 4 Column 1 is determined, it affects what Row 5 Column 1 and Row 6 Column 1 can be
• Column 2 fills in relatively quickly once the bottom-left box is mostly complete
• Row 1 becomes easier to solve once Row 2's final digits are placed

Phase 6: Final Cells

By this stage, most cells contain only 1-2 candidate values. The remaining empty cells almost solve themselves—use the final check that each row, column, and box contains all digits 1-6.

Key Solving Techniques Used

• Naked Singles: Cells with only one possible value
• Box/Line Reduction: If a number can only appear in one box within a row or column, eliminate it elsewhere
• Candidate Elimination: Cross off impossible numbers as constraints become clear

Practice Tip

When solving 6x6 Sudoku puzzles, use pencil marks to write candidate numbers in empty cells. As you place confirmed digits, erase conflicting candidates. This visual approach makes logical deductions much clearer and faster.

Ready to verify your work? Check the complete solution to see if you filled every cell correctly!