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Mini Sudoku
Mini Sudoku is a smaller take on classic Sudoku played on a 6×6 grid instead of 9×9. It uses the digits 1 through 6 and divides the board into six 2×3 rectangular boxes. Its size makes it a popular starting point for newcomers and a fast solve for experts.
Mini Sudoku Rules
The grid is 6×6, split into six rectangular boxes that are 2 cells tall and 3 cells wide. Some cells start with given numbers; the rest are blank for you to fill.
Each row, each column, and each 2×3 box must contain the numbers 1 through 6 exactly once — no repeats and no gaps in any of them.
Use the givens to deduce where each number can legally go, filling cells until the grid is complete. A well-made Mini Sudoku has exactly one solution reachable by pure logic.
Mini Sudoku Strategy & Tips
Scan for the missing number
With only six values per line, a row or box that already holds five numbers tells you the sixth instantly. Sweep for nearly-full rows, columns, and boxes first.
Mind the 2×3 box shape
Boxes here are wide rectangles, not squares. A number placed in one box rules it out across three columns or two rows it touches, so cross-hatch with that shape in mind.
Pencil in pairs
When a cell can only be one of two numbers, note both. Matching pairs in a row or box eliminate those candidates from the other cells in that line.
Chase the most-placed number
Pick a digit that already appears several times and find its remaining homes. The constraints stack up quickly on a 6×6 board, often forcing a placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Mini Sudoku different from regular Sudoku?
It is a 6×6 grid using numbers 1 to 6 with 2×3 boxes, versus the standard 9×9 grid using 1 to 9 with 3×3 boxes. The rules are otherwise identical.
Is 6×6 Sudoku good for beginners?
Yes. The smaller grid and fewer numbers make the logic easier to follow, so it is one of the best ways to learn Sudoku before moving up to 9×9.
What size are the boxes in a 6×6 Sudoku?
Each box is a 2×3 rectangle — two cells tall and three wide — and there are six of them filling the grid.
Does Mini Sudoku have only one solution?
A properly constructed Mini Sudoku has exactly one solution that you can reach using logic alone, with no guessing required.