LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #99 (Empty Loop) - Step-by-Step Solution Guide

Welcome to the detailed walkthrough of LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #99, also known as the Empty Loop puzzle, published on November 18, 2025. This 6x6 Sudoku variant challenges you to fill the grid so that every row, column, and each 2x3 section contains all digits 1 through 6 without repetition.

Starting with the given clues is essential. Here’s the layout of initially given numbers:

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

Our goal is to logically deduce the missing digits using Sudoku rules and the digits already placed.

Step 1: Examine Rows with Most Clues

Row 2 is nearly filled, missing only two numbers in positions (2,3) and (2,6). The numbers present are 3, 4, 6, and 1, so the missing digits are 2 and 5.

• Position (2,6) can’t be 2 because 2 already appears in column 6 (see Row 6, column 6).
• Therefore, (2,6) must be 5, and (2,3) is 2.

Step 2: Fill in Easy Cells by Box and Column Constraints

Consider the first 2x3 box (top-left). It includes Rows 1-2 and Columns 1-3. It already has the digits 1, 2, 3, and 4. The remaining digits to place here are 5 and 6.

• Row 1’s empty cells in this box are positions (1,3).
• Row 2’s newly identified (2,3) is 2; hence taken.
• Check columns 3 in rows below: we find 4 in Row 4, but no 5 or 6 yet.

By scanning columns and eliminating positions based on row and box restrictions, (1,3) must be 6 and (1,4) is thus 5 — as the remaining digit in Row 1 becomes clear from column presence.

Step 3: Address the Bottom Rows Using Column Clues

Focus on Row 6, largely empty except for 2 and 5 at columns 5 and 6. Numbers missing here are 1, 3, 4, and 6.

• Column 1 already has 1 and 3 in earlier rows, narrowing choices for (6,1).
• The only number fitting position (6,1) based on box and column logic is 6.
• Apply similar deductions for (6,2) and (6,3), fitting numbers 1 and 3 accordingly.

Step 4: Cross-Check Columns and Boxes to Complete Intermediate Cells

With many numbers placed, look vertically down columns and horizontally across boxes for missing digits. For example, Column 4 already has 6 (Row 2) and 2 (Row 3), so the remaining numbers must fit into Rows 1, 4, 5, and 6 in accordance with Sudoku rules.

Step 5: Finalize Each Row and Box by Process of Elimination

Systematically check each 2x3 box and row to place remaining numbers. When only one open cell remains for a number in a section, fill it confidently. Continue until all rows, columns, and boxes contain digits 1 through 6 with no repetition.

Summary

This puzzle progresses by combining piecemeal elimination, identifying unique slot candidates, and ensuring each number’s singular presence in rows, columns, and 2x3 boxes. Step-by-step, each empty cell’s value emerges logically, leading to the completed grid.

Enjoy applying this approach to sharpen your Mini Sudoku skills and explore the joy of logical deduction!