How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #186: Complete Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Game: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku | Puzzle ID: #186 | Difficulty: Intermediate

Understanding the Starting Grid

Before diving into the solution, let's identify the clues provided in your 6x6 puzzle. Remember, each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once.

Your starting position has these clues:

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

Solving Strategy: Elimination and Constraint Analysis

We'll use the fundamental Mini Sudoku technique of elimination combined with cross-hatching. This means examining what numbers are already present in each row, column, and 2x3 box to determine what must go in empty cells.

Step-by-Step Solution Process

Phase 1: Identifying Forced Placements in Constrained Boxes

Start with the most constrained areas first. The bottom-left box (rows 5-6, columns 1-3) already contains 3 and 2, leaving candidates 1, 4, 5, and 6.

Looking at row 5: it has 3 and 1. Column 1 has 5, 4, and 3 already. This creates strong constraints that help us narrow down possibilities quickly.

Phase 2: Using Column and Row Elimination

Examine column 1 carefully: it contains 5, 4, and 3. The remaining numbers are 1, 2, and 6. By checking each empty cell in column 1 against its row and box constraints, we can determine exact placements.

For example, row 1, column 1 must avoid 5 (row constraint) and work within the top-left box's remaining numbers.

Phase 3: Working Through the Top Boxes

Top-left box (rows 1-2, columns 1-3): Contains clue 1 in row 2. This box needs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. By examining row and column constraints for each empty cell, you'll discover which numbers fit where.

Top-middle box (rows 1-2, columns 3-4): No clues initially, but the constraints from rows 1 and 2 plus the filled cells in adjacent boxes narrow the options significantly.

Top-right box (rows 1-2, columns 5-6): Contains 5 (row 1) and 4 (row 2). The clue 4 in row 2, column 6 is crucial. Work backwards: row 2 needs 2, 3, 5, and 6 in its empty cells.

Phase 4: Middle Section Analysis

Row 3 (starts with 5 and ends with 3): Needs 1, 2, 4, and 6. The middle-left box constraint combined with row 3's existing 5 helps place these numbers methodically.

Row 4 (starts with 4 and ends with 2): Needs 1, 3, 5, and 6. Again, use the box divisions (2x3 sections) as your guide.

Phase 5: Cascading Placements

Once you fill several cells, you'll notice cascading effects—filling one cell often forces nearby cells to accept specific values. This is where the puzzle becomes easier.

For instance, if you determine that a specific number must go in a particular cell within a box, it eliminates that number from all other cells in that box, row, and column.

Phase 6: Final Verification

As you near completion, each empty cell becomes a "naked single"—a cell with only one possible candidate. Verify your solution by confirming:

• Each row contains 1-6 exactly once
• Each column contains 1-6 exactly once
• Each 2x3 box contains 1-6 exactly once

Key Techniques Used in This Puzzle

Elimination: Crossing out impossible candidates by checking row, column, and box constraints.

Cross-hatching: Drawing imaginary lines through existing numbers to see where remaining numbers must fit.

Working with constrained regions: Boxes or rows with more clues offer fewer possibilities, making them ideal starting points.

Tips for Solving Mini Sudoku Faster

• Always start with the most populated rows, columns, or boxes
• Look for cells where only one number is possible (naked singles)
• Use the 2x3 box structure—it's your most powerful constraint tool
• Mark candidates mentally or on paper to avoid mistakes
• When stuck, switch techniques rather than guessing

With these systematic strategies applied to LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #186, you'll solve the puzzle confidently and consistently improve your solving speed!