How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #191: Dot Trail

LinkedIn's daily Mini Sudoku challenges are excellent brain teasers that require logical thinking and systematic elimination. Today's puzzle, "Dot Trail," presents an interesting configuration with several strategically placed clues. Let's work through this 6x6 Sudoku puzzle step-by-step.

Understanding the Puzzle Setup

Our starting grid contains these prefilled numbers:

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

Remember: each row, column, and 2×3 box must contain the digits 1–6 exactly once. Let's use the process of elimination and logical deduction to fill in the empty cells.

Step-by-Step Solution Strategy

Step 1: Analyze the Top-Left 2×3 Box

The top-left box contains 2, 3, and 4. It needs 1, 5, and 6. Looking at column 1, we can determine which values fit based on what's already in that column elsewhere in the puzzle. By examining row constraints, the box fills with specific numbers that satisfy all row and column requirements.

Step 2: Work with the Top-Right 2×3 Box

This box already has 1, 2, and 6. We need to place 3, 4, and 5. Row 1 needs 3, 4, 5, and 6 in positions 1, 2, 5, and 6. Using column 5's constraints and other completed sections, we can deduce the exact placement.

Step 3: Complete Row 2

Row 2 has 3, 4, and 6. It needs 1, 2, and 5. Position 1 in row 2 must satisfy both the row and column requirements. Position 4 has limited options based on what's needed in that column and the middle-right box.

Step 4: Solve Row 3 Using Box Constraints

Row 3 contains 1 and 4. The middle-left box (rows 1-3, columns 1-3) now has clearer options. Use the naked singles technique—cells where only one number is possible—to fill positions in row 3.

Step 5: Address the Bottom Rows

Rows 4, 5, and 6 have fewer clues, so they require more careful analysis. Start by identifying which numbers are missing in columns 1–6. For each empty cell in the bottom section, test which values don't violate the Sudoku rules.

Step 6: Use Elimination Strategically

As you fill more cells, previously ambiguous positions become clear. For instance, if column 2 is missing only one number, you can place it immediately. This cascading effect makes solving progressively easier.

Key Solving Techniques Applied

• Process of Elimination: Remove impossible candidates by checking each row, column, and 2×3 box.
• Naked Singles: Identify cells where only one number can fit based on existing constraints.
• Box Analysis: Focus on completing 2×3 boxes first, as they offer fewer possibilities than entire rows or columns.
• Column Scanning: After placing numbers in boxes, scan columns for missing digits that naturally fit remaining empty cells.

Completing the Puzzle

By methodically applying these techniques to each empty cell, the puzzle gradually reveals its solution. The beauty of Sudoku is that every move is logically determined—there's always a reason why a specific number must go in a particular position.

Working through puzzles like LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #191 improves your pattern recognition and logical reasoning skills. Each clue given is a strategic starting point that cascades into multiple cell solutions when combined with Sudoku's fundamental rules.

Ready to check your work? Follow the link to view the complete solution and verify your puzzle-solving accuracy.