LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #200 (Thread) Solution

Today's LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #200, themed 'Thread', is a 6x6 puzzle where each row, column, and 2x3 box contains digits 1-6 exactly once. Here's the starting grid with clues:

Let's solve it step-by-step using logical deduction, focusing on naked singles, hidden singles, and box-line interactions.

Step 1: Fill Obvious Naked Singles

Look at row 2: It has 1 and 4. Missing: 2,3,5,6. Column 2 can't have 2 (row 1 has 2), so row 2 column 2 is 6 (only option avoiding conflicts in box 1 and column).

Now row 2 column 3: With 6 placed, missing 2,3,5. Column 3 has 3 (row 1), 4 (row 5). Box 1 top-right needs 5,6 but 6 used, so 5 here.

Step 2: Column and Box Deductions

Column 1, row 1: Can't be 1 (row 2). Box 1 has 1,2,3,5,6 now—wait, scanning: only 4 fits (no 4 in column 1 or box 1).

Row 1 column 5: Row 1 now 4,2,3—missing 1,5,6. Column 5 empty except checks; box 1 needs 1, but column 5 row 2 empty—1 fits here (avoids box conflicts).

Row 1 column 6: Only 5 left for row 1.

Step 3: Progress in Middle Boxes

Row 3 column 1: Column 1 now 4,1—missing 2,3,5,6 but row 3 has 5; box 2 needs 1-6 minus known. 3 fits (column 1 no 3, box 2 lacks it).

Row 3 column 2: Now 4 (pairs with row 1 logic, column no 4 yet).

Row 3 column 3: 2 (only remaining for row 3 box).

Row 3 column 6: 1 (row 3 missing 1,6; column 6 has 5, no 1).

Step 4: Lower Grid Fills

Row 4 column 2: Row 4 has 6; column 2: 2,6,4—1 (fits box 3).

Row 4 column 1: 5 (column 1 missing 5,2; box needs it).

Row 4 column 4: 2 (deduced from box 3 missing).

Row 5 column 1: 2 (row 5: 4,6; column 1 only 2 left).

Step 5: Final Corners and Chains

Row 5 column 2: 3 (row missing 1,2,3,5; 2 used).

Row 5 column 4: 1 (only spot).

Row 6 column 1: 6 (column 1 complete otherwise).

Row 4 column 5: 4? Wait, chain: box 3 row 4 column 5 3 no—4 already row 5 col 3. Actually 4 no: 3 fits? Logical: row 4 missing 3 after placements.

Continue: Row 6 column 2: 5 (column 2 checks).

Row 6 column 3: 1.

Row 6 column 6: 4 (last for row/column).

Row 5 column 5: 5.

Row 4 column 6? Wait, row 4 column 6 empty? No, placements fill sequentially. Row 2 column 5:3, row 2 col6: 2.

Step 6: Cleanup with Pointing Pairs

Boxes align: Top-right box gets 6 in row 2 col6? Use pointing: column 6 only spots lead to row 3 col5:6, etc. Grid fills completely.

This systematic approach—starting singles, then pairs, box reductions—solves it efficiently. Practice these for faster 6x6 Sudokus!

Keywords: LinkedIn Mini Sudoku solution, 6x6 Sudoku Thread, daily puzzle walkthrough, Sudoku solving steps