LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #86 (Football) - November 5, 2025: Step-by-Step Solving Guide

Welcome to the detailed solving guide for Mini Sudoku #86 (Football), published on November 5, 2025. In this 6x6 Sudoku variant, each row, column, and 2x3 block must contain the digits 1 through 6 exactly once. The challenge lies in filling the empty cells logically using the prefilled clues.

This walkthrough focuses on the reasoning behind each step rather than explaining basic Sudoku rules. Let's delve into the puzzle structure to see how each empty spot is deduced.

Starting Points: Analyzing Clues and Filled Cells

The puzzle has several given numbers spread across the grid. Effective solving begins by targeting rows, columns, or blocks with the most clues, enabling easy elimination.

Row 1

• Cells 4, 5, 6 are given as 5, 6, and 1, respectively.
• The first three cells must contain 2, 3, and 4 in some order.
• Examining columns 1 to 3 and the top-left 2x3 block where these cells belong will help assign these numbers.

Top-left 2x3 Block (Rows 1-2, Columns 1-3)

• Known clues include a 5 in Row 2, Column 3.
• The block is missing 1, 2, 3, and 4 besides the given 5.
• By checking the columns and rows where these numbers appear, we can place missing digits logically.

Filling Cells by Logical Elimination

Let's break down the process cell-by-cell, considering what numbers are possible based on row, column, and block restrictions.

R1C1: Not 5,6,1 (row); check col and block for presence of 2, 3, 4
R1C2: Similarly, narrow candidates by scanning column and block

Repeating this logical elimination eventually pins down the only valid numbers for each empty cell.

Middle Blocks (Rows 3-4, Columns 1-3 and 4-6)

• Row 3 has a clue 4 at Column 2 and 3 at Column 6.
• Row 4 has 3 in Column 1 and 5 in Column 5.
• Using these as anchors, we analyze missing numbers across the blocks and rows to fill remaining cells.

Bottom Blocks (Rows 5-6, Columns 1-3 and 4-6)

• Row 5 includes the numbers 2 and 6, with other cells empty.
• Row 6 has 1, 6, and 4 already placed in the first three columns.
• Focus on remaining empty cells in these rows, ensuring no digit repeats in columns or blocks.

Strategies Applied

• Process of Elimination: Discard digits already present in a cell’s row, column, and block.
• Naked Singles: When a cell has only one possible candidate, it must be that number.
• Cross-Referencing Blocks and Lines: Use clues in intersecting rows, columns, and blocks to pin down candidates.
• Sequential Deduction: Sequentially fill cells where filling one uniquely determines the next.

Example Walkthrough of a Key Cell

Consider the cell in Row 2, Column 1:

• Row 2 already contains 5 and 2 (Cols 3 and 6).
• Column 1 contains 3 (Row 4), 2 (Row 5), and 1 (Row 6).
• The top-left block includes 5 and clue numbers in rows 1 and 2.
• Excluding these, the only possible number for R2C1 is 6.

Applying similar logic to all empty cells gradually completes the puzzle.

Summary

Tackling Mini Sudoku #86 involves careful observation of prefilled clues, systematic elimination of impossible candidates, and spotting naked singles in rows, columns, and 2x3 sections. By focusing on crowded areas first and using stepwise deduction, the missing numbers fall into place naturally.

This detailed logic process turns the complex-looking grid into a solved masterpiece, perfect for Sudoku enthusiasts aiming to raise their puzzle-solving skills.