How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #172 'Smash Up'

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #172, titled 'Smash Up,' presents a challenging 6x6 puzzle that requires logical deduction and systematic elimination. Published on January 30, 2026, this daily puzzle offers an excellent opportunity to practice essential sudoku solving techniques.

Understanding the Starting Position

Let's examine the initial puzzle grid with the clues provided:

Grid Layout (empty cells marked with dots):
. . . | 1 . .
. . 3 | 2 . .
------+------
. 5 4 | . 2 .
. 6 . | 5 3 .
------+------
. . 5 | 4 . .
. . 6 | . . .

We have 12 clues strategically placed to guide us toward the solution. Remember: each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once.

Step-by-Step Solving Strategy

Step 1: Start with the Most Constrained Areas

Begin by identifying sections with the most pre-filled numbers. Row 3 already contains 5, 4, 2, giving us only three missing numbers (1, 3, 6) to place in three empty cells. This is our highest-constraint area.

In Row 3: The empty cells in positions 1 and 4 need to be filled. Column 1 already contains a 6 (Row 4), so position (3,1) cannot be 6. The top-left 2x3 box contains only 5 and 4 so far. Through elimination, we can determine that position (3,1) = 3 and position (3,4) = 6.

Step 2: Use Cross-Hatching for Row 4

Row 4 contains 6, 5, and 3. We need 1, 2, and 4 in the remaining cells.

Position (4,1): Column 1 needs to avoid 6, 5, and 3 (already placed in this column). Checking the constraints, position (4,1) = 2.

Position (4,3): The bottom-left 2x3 box already has 5 and 6. This position must be 1.

Step 3: Analyze Row 5

Row 5 has 5 and 4. Missing: 1, 2, 3, 6.

Position (5,1): Column 1 now has 3, 2, and 6. It needs 1, 4, and 5. The bottom-left box has 5, 6, and 1 (from Row 4), so position (5,1) = 4.

Position (5,2): The bottom-left box is now complete with 5, 6, 1, 4. Looking at what's needed: position (5,2) = 3.

Position (5,5): Row 5 needs 1, 2, 6. Column 5 already has 2 and 3, so this can be 1 or 6. Using box constraints, position (5,5) = 6.

Position (5,6): The remaining number in Row 5 is 2, so position (5,6) = 2.

Step 4: Complete Row 1

Row 1 has only 1 filled. Column 1 now needs only 1 and 5 (positions in Rows 1 and 2). The top-left box needs filling with remaining digits.

Through systematic elimination of candidates in each column and box:

Position (1,1): = 6
Position (1,2): = 4
Position (1,3): = 2
Position (1,5): = 5
Position (1,6): = 3

Step 5: Solve Row 2

With Row 1 complete, Row 2 becomes easier. Column 1 now only needs 5 for Row 2.

Position (2,1): = 5
Position (2,2): = 1 (only digit missing from top-left box)
Position (2,5): = 4 (Column 5 analysis)
Position (2,6): = 6

Step 6: Complete Row 6

The final row fills in naturally through elimination:

Position (6,1): = 4
Position (6,2): = 2
Position (6,4): = 3
Position (6,5): = 1
Position (6,6): = 5

Key Techniques Used

• Elimination: Removing impossible candidates based on row, column, and box constraints
• Naked Singles: Identifying cells where only one digit can fit
• Cross-Hatching: Scanning rows and columns where a number already appears to find its placement in other boxes
• Constraint Analysis: Prioritizing the most constrained areas first for efficiency

Final Takeaway

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #172 demonstrates how systematic logical deduction solves even challenging puzzles. By starting with the most constrained areas and methodically applying elimination techniques, you can navigate through any 6x6 sudoku puzzle. Practice these strategies daily to improve your solving speed and accuracy.

Challenge yourself with more LinkedIn Mini Sudoku puzzles to master these techniques!