How to Solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #192 (Slalom)

In this daily 6x6 Sudoku puzzle, you'll need to fill in the grid so that each row, column, and 2x3 box contains the digits 1 through 6. Let's work through this puzzle systematically using proven solving strategies.

Starting with the Given Clues

Our puzzle begins with these prefilled cells:

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

Step-by-Step Solution Using Logical Deduction

Finding Cells with Limited Candidates

Begin by looking for rows, columns, and boxes with only one missing number. This is the easiest way to start:

• Row 2, Column 5: Row 2 has 4, 5, and 1. Column 5 already contains 4 and 2. The box (top right) has 5 and 1. Testing which numbers fit reveals this cell must be 3.
• Row 3, Column 6: Row 3 contains 2 and 4. Column 6 has 1, 6, and 5. The top-right box needs 2, 3, and 6. This cell must be 3.

Using the Crosshatching Technique

This technique involves picking one number and marking all positions where it appears, then finding rows and columns where it can only go in one place:

• Placing 6s: Row 1 needs a 6. Looking at columns where 6 doesn't appear, column 4 is a candidate. After checking the top-middle box constraints, Row 1, Column 4 is 4 and Column 1 of Row 1 already has 5, so we work through other cells systematically.
• Row 1 analysis: With 5 already placed, we need 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Checking each column and box constraint fills in Row 1 as: 5, 1, 3, 4, 6, 2.

Scanning Rows, Columns, and Boxes Simultaneously

To avoid guessing, always consider three constraints at once:

• Row 2: Has 4, 5, and 1. Missing 2, 3, and 6. Column 1 has 5, 2, and 1, so this cell needs 3, 4, or 6—but row 2 already has 4. Column 3 analysis combined with the top-left box shows Row 2, Column 1 is 6, Column 3 is 2.
• Row 5: Contains 1, 6, and 2. Columns 2, 4, and 6 need filling. Row 5, Column 2 cannot be 4 or 3 (in column 2) or 1, 6, 2 (in row). This gives us 5.

Completing the Middle Rows

• Row 3: Starting with 2, _, _, _, 4, 3. Columns and box constraints show Row 3, Column 2 is 6, Column 3 is 5, and Column 4 is 1.
• Row 4: With 3 and 6 placed, analyze each empty cell against row, column, and box. This row becomes: 4, 3, 1, 2, 5, 6.

Solving the Bottom Rows

As more cells fill in, the remaining empties become easier to solve:

• Row 6: The only row missing multiple numbers, but with columns and boxes heavily constrained, deduction reveals: 3, 2, 4, 6, 1, 5.
• Final check: Verify each row, column, and 2x3 box contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 exactly once.

Key Solving Strategies Used

• Identify cells where only one candidate is possible
• Use crosshatching to eliminate candidates for specific numbers
• Scan across three constraint types (row, column, box) simultaneously
• Work from highly constrained cells outward

Practice These Techniques

This puzzle demonstrates that 6x6 Sudoku doesn't require advanced strategies. By systematically checking what numbers fit in each cell based on row, column, and box constraints, you can solve these mini puzzles efficiently. The key is patience and careful elimination of impossible candidates.

Solve more daily Mini Sudoku puzzles to master these logical deduction skills!