How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #181 (Rightward)

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: 181 | Name: Rightward | Published: February 8, 2026

The LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #181 presents a classic 6x6 grid challenge where each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. With only six initial clues strategically placed, this puzzle rewards systematic elimination and careful candidate analysis. Let's walk through the solution using proven Sudoku-solving techniques.

Understanding the Starting Position

Our puzzle begins with these given numbers:

• Row 1: 1 in position 1, 6 in position 5
• Row 2: 2 in position 2, 5 in position 6
• Row 3: 3 in position 1, 4 in position 5
• Row 4: 4 in position 3
• Row 5: 5 in position 4
• Row 6: 6 in position 3

These clues are spread across different rows, columns, and boxes, giving us multiple angles of attack for solving.

Step 1: Scanning Row 1

Row 1 contains 1 and 6. We need to place 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Position 1-2: The top-left 2x3 box currently has only 1. Looking at column 2, we can determine which numbers are available. Through elimination across the row and box constraints, we can identify candidates for each empty cell.

Position 1-3: Scanning column 3 reveals it already contains 4 and 6, limiting our options.

Step 2: Analyzing the Top-Left Box

The top-left 2x3 box (rows 1-2, columns 1-3) contains 1, 2, and 3. Missing numbers are 4, 5, and 6.

Row 1, Column 2: Check what's already in column 2. The given clues show 2 in row 2. By scanning all rows with clues, we can narrow down this cell's possibilities.

Row 2, Columns 3-4: Row 2 has 2 and 5. We need 1, 3, 4, and 6. The empty cells in columns 3-4 must accommodate some of these numbers while respecting box constraints.

Step 3: Using Column Elimination

Column 1 already has 1 and 3 from rows 1 and 3. Missing are 2, 4, 5, and 6.

Row 4, Column 1: This cell cannot be 1 or 3 (already in column). Row 4 already has 4, so this cell must be one of {2, 5, 6}.

Row 5, Column 1: Row 5 has 5 in column 4, so column 1 cannot contain 5 in this row. Check row 5's other givens to constrain further.

Row 6, Column 1: Row 6 has 6 in column 3, so 6 cannot go here. Limited to {2, 4, 5}.

Step 4: Focusing on Constrained Areas

The most constrained regions offer the quickest solutions. Focus on boxes and rows with the most clues first.

Top-Right Box (rows 1-2, columns 4-6): Row 1 positions 5-6 need filling. Row 2 position 4 needs filling. This box already has 6 and 5, needing 1, 2, 3, and 4. Position 1-4 in row 1 and position 2-4 in row 2 must satisfy both row and box constraints.

Step 5: Cross-Hatching Technique

Let's apply cross-hatching for number 4. We have 4 in row 3, column 5 and row 4, column 3. Where else can 4 appear?

In the middle-right box (rows 3-4, columns 4-6), 4 appears in row 3. This means row 4 cannot contain another 4 in columns 4-6 within that box.

Similarly, scan for number 5. Row 2 has 5, row 5 has 5. Determine where 5 fits in remaining empty rows by checking column and box constraints.

Step 6: Building the Solution Methodically

Work systematically through each empty cell:

Row by Row Analysis: For each row, list candidates for empty positions. Then apply column and box constraints to eliminate impossible numbers. Often, you'll find cells where only one number remains—these are your breakthrough placements.

Box-Based Deduction: Within each 2x3 box, after placing numbers, check which digits are missing. Examine the empty cells and determine which can accommodate which missing numbers based on row and column occupancy.

Step 7: Handling Difficult Intersections

When simple elimination stalls, look for cells where constraints from multiple directions converge:

Position Intersections: Where a row's empty cells, a column's empty cells, and a box's empty cells overlap, sometimes one number emerges as the only possibility.

Candidate Pairs: Identify cells within the same box, row, or column that share identical pairs of candidates. If two cells can only be {A, B}, no other cell in that region can contain A or B, eliminating candidates elsewhere.

Step 8: Completing the Puzzle

Continue applying these techniques progressively. Each filled cell reduces candidate options for neighboring empty cells. As you place numbers, the puzzle becomes progressively easier—more constraints eliminate more possibilities.

The final cells usually solve themselves once sufficient numbers surround them. The last few placements typically follow directly from row, column, or box completeness.

Key Takeaways for LinkedIn Mini Sudoku

Solving puzzle #181 (Rightward) demonstrates essential Sudoku strategies applicable to all 6x6 puzzles:

• Elimination First: Check what numbers are already placed in a cell's row, column, and box before guessing
• Constrained Regions: Prioritize rows, columns, and boxes with the most clues—they're easiest to complete
• Systematic Scanning: Go through numbers 1-6 methodically, noting where each can and cannot appear
• Candidate Tracking: Keep mental or written notes of possible numbers for key empty cells

With consistent practice on LinkedIn Mini Sudoku daily puzzles like #181, your pattern recognition improves, making solutions faster and more intuitive.