How to Play Mini Sudoku (4×4 & 6×6 Rules)
Use this guide to learn the goal, rules, and rhythm of Mini Sudoku. Start with 4×4 warm-ups, conquer the LinkedIn-style 6×6 challenge, and build a brain-training habit with our daily puzzle.
The Goal of Mini Sudoku
Mini Sudoku condenses the full Sudoku experience into fast, approachable grids. The goal never changes: fill each row, column, and region with the required digits without repeats. You just reach the “aha!” moment faster — perfect for daily brain workouts or desk-side breaks.
- • 4×4 boards use digits 1–4 and four 2×2 regions.
- • 6×6 boards use digits 1–6 and six 3×2 regions — the same format powering the LinkedIn trend.
- • Each puzzle opens with given numbers (“givens”) that guide your first deductions.
Step-by-Step Mini Sudoku Method
- Understand the goal: Complete every row, column, and region with the required digits — no repeats allowed.
- Start with givens: Use the provided numbers to fill obvious singles and set up pencil marks for the rest.
- Eliminate candidates: Cross-check rows, columns, and regions to remove impossible digits until one value remains.
- Keep your streak alive: Launch the daily Sudoku challenge or shuffle a new board to stay sharp with regular practice.
- Check and repeat: Review conflicts, tap hints if you stall, and keep iterating until the grid is complete.
Pro Tip
Rotate between rows, columns, and regions each time you fill a number. That rhythm keeps fresh deductions coming and prevents tunnel vision.
4×4 vs. 6×6 Rules at a Glance
4×4 Mini Sudoku Rules
- Digits 1–4 appear once per row, column, and 2×2 region.
- Great for first-time solvers or classroom logic warm-ups.
- Finishes fast — perfect for a one-minute brain break or quick brain exercise.
6×6 Mini Sudoku Rules
- Digits 1–6 appear once in every row, column, and 3×2 region.
- Matches the LinkedIn Mini Sudoku format everyone is sharing.
- Adds more deduction paths, making hints and pencil marks extra helpful — ideal for medium and hard Sudoku practice.
Ready to practice both? Launch Mini Sudoku tab and alternate between grid sizes for balanced training.
Why Sudoku Improves Focus & Memory
Sharper Focus
Scanning rows, columns, and regions trains your brain to lock onto details quickly — a skill that transfers to work sprints and study sessions.
Pattern Recognition
Spotting repeating numbers and candidate pairs strengthens pattern recognition, a core component of logical reasoning and memory recall.
Stress Relief
Micro-breaks with a 4×4 grid deliver a calming challenge you can finish in minutes, lowering stress without losing momentum.
Daily Brain Workout
Committing to one fresh puzzle per day provides a measurable brain-training habit that improves deduction speed over time.
Common Mini Sudoku Mistakes to Avoid
- • Skipping pencil marks too early, which hides conflicts in 6×6 grids.
- • Forgetting to re-check regions after you fill a row or column — especially important in 3×2 boxes.
- • Chasing one number across the entire board instead of clearing the most constrained row or region first.
- • Ignoring your timer or streak tracker and losing motivation. Momentum matters for brain-training gains.
What to Learn Next
Keep momentum going with curated guides that expand your toolkit from beginner fundamentals to advanced solving tactics and brain-training routines.