LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #190: Two U – Complete Solution Guide

LinkedIn Mini Sudoku puzzles are a fun daily challenge that sharpens your logical thinking. Today's puzzle, "Two U," presents a 6x6 grid with strategic clues positioned to guide your solution. In this post, we'll walk through the solving process step-by-step, explaining the reasoning behind each cell placement.

Understanding the Puzzle Layout

The 6x6 Sudoku grid is divided into six 2x3 boxes. Remember: each row, column, and 2x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. Let's examine the clues provided:

Starting Grid:
. 6 . | 1 . .
. 1 . | 2 . .
------+------
. 2 3 | 4 . .
. . . | . . .
------+------
1 . . | . 2 .
2 3 4 | 5 1 .

Step-by-Step Solution Process

Step 1: Analyze the Bottom-Right Box

The bottom-right 2x3 box already contains 2, 5, and 1. Missing digits are 3, 4, and 6. By examining the constraints from the row and column containing the empty cells, we can determine that the last cell in row 6, column 6 must be 6.

Step 2: Complete Row 6

Row 6 now has: 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 6. This row is complete.

Step 3: Work on Row 5

Row 5 begins with: 1, _, _, _, 2, _. Using the box and column constraints, we can identify which numbers belong where. The second cell in row 5 must be 5 (eliminating other possibilities from the column). The third cell becomes 6, the fourth cell becomes 3, and the sixth cell becomes 4.

Step 4: Solve Row 4

Row 4 is completely empty, which means we must rely on column and box analysis. Examining each column's missing digits and each box's requirements, we place: 5, 4, 1, 6, 3, 2 from left to right.

Step 5: Complete Rows 1–3

With rows 4–6 solved, the constraints become clearer. The remaining empty cells can be filled using the process of elimination:

• Row 3: The missing digits 1, 5, and 6 fit into the empty cells, giving us: 6, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
• Row 2: With columns and boxes constraining possibilities, we get: 4, 1, 5, 2, 6, 3
• Row 1: The final row completes with: 3, 6, 2, 1, 4, 5

Solving Techniques Used

Naked Singles: We identified cells where only one number could fit based on row, column, and box constraints.

Process of Elimination: By crossing out impossible candidates in each cell, we narrowed down possibilities until only one solution remained.

Box Analysis: We paid special attention to the 2x3 boxes, ensuring each contained all digits 1–6 without duplicates.

Final Solution

Completed Grid:
3 6 2 | 1 4 5
4 1 5 | 2 6 3
------+------
6 2 3 | 4 5 1
5 4 1 | 6 3 2
------+------
1 5 6 | 3 2 4
2 3 4 | 5 1 6

Tips for Solving 6x6 Sudoku Faster

• Start with sections (rows, columns, or boxes) that already have the most clues filled in
• Focus on one number at a time throughout the grid
• Use pencil marks to track possible candidates in each empty cell
• Look for hidden singles—numbers that can only go in one place within a row, column, or box

The "Two U" puzzle showcases how strategic clue placement guides you to the solution. With practice, you'll develop intuition for which techniques work best in different scenarios. Try solving the next LinkedIn Mini Sudoku using these same principles, and you'll improve your speed and accuracy!