Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #193: Step-by-Step Guide

LinkedIn's daily Mini Sudoku puzzles offer a quick mental challenge perfect for a work break. Today's puzzle requires strategic thinking and systematic elimination to fill in all the cells correctly. Let's walk through the solution process step-by-step.

Understanding the Puzzle Layout

This 6×6 Sudoku grid contains several prefilled clues:

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

Remember: every row, column, and 2×3 box must contain the numbers 1-6 exactly once.

Step-by-Step Solving Strategy

Start with the Fullest Areas

Begin by identifying rows, columns, or 2×3 boxes that already have several numbers filled in. These are easier to complete since fewer options remain.

Row 4 Analysis: This row already contains 4, 1, giving us 4 missing numbers. Looking at what's available and checking column constraints, we can begin placing candidates here.

Column 1 Analysis: We have 2, 4, and 6 already placed. This means 1, 3, and 5 must go in the remaining cells. By checking each row's other constraints, we determine which number belongs where.

Apply Elimination Techniques

Focus on Single Squares: Take any empty cell and check:

• What numbers already exist in its row?
• What numbers already exist in its column?
• What numbers already exist in its 2×3 box?

The missing number from 1-6 must go in that cell.

Row 1, Column 1: Row 1 has 1 and 6. Column 1 has 2, 4, and 6. The top-left 2×3 box has 1 and 2. Eliminating all these numbers from 1-6 leaves us with our answer: 5.

Work Through Each 2×3 Box

Breaking the grid into six 2×3 boxes helps narrow down possibilities. For each box, check which numbers 1-6 are missing, then determine where each can logically fit based on row and column constraints.

Top-left box (Rows 1-2, Columns 1-3): Already has 1, 2. Missing: 3, 4, 5, 6. By analyzing row and column intersections, we place each number in its only valid position.

Use Scan and Eliminate

Pick a number (for example, 3) and scan the entire grid:

• Where do existing 3s appear?
• Which rows, columns, and boxes already contain a 3?
• In remaining empty cells, where can 3 logically fit?

This technique often reveals exactly where a number must go, even if surrounding cells aren't fully solved.

Working Through the Solution

Row 1 Completion: Starting with 1 and 6 as clues, and placing 5 in column 1, we can determine the remaining cells by checking which numbers fit in each column and box.

Row 2: Has 2 and 3. Checking columns and the top-left box constraints, we systematically place 4, 6, 5, and 1.

Row 3: Contains 3 and 5. The middle-left box analysis helps us place 1 in column 1, then cascade through other cells.

Rows 4-6: Continue applying the same logic. Row 4 already has 4 and 1, making it easier to fill. Each new placement creates more constraints for remaining cells, accelerating the solving process.

Key Techniques Summary

To solve this Mini Sudoku efficiently:

• Start with areas that have the most filled cells
• Focus on individual cells using row, column, and box elimination
• Scan for specific numbers across the entire grid
• Check one 2×3 box at a time for systematic progress

These strategies work for any 6×6 Sudoku puzzle, making your daily LinkedIn game-solving faster and more enjoyable.

Ready for More Puzzles?

Once you've mastered this puzzle, check out other daily Mini Sudoku solutions to continue improving your logical reasoning skills. The more you practice, the quicker you'll spot patterns and solve these challenges during your work breaks.