I solve LinkedIn Mini Sudoku #336 on a 6×6 board starting from 16 clues. 6 irregular regions overlap rows and columns — not classic 3×3 boxes. My hint-driven path uses 20× Naked single across 20 placements.
First pass: scan givens and mark blockers. Most fills come from scanning rows and columns for cells where only one digit fits — classic naked-single territory.
Next 4 fills: R1C3=1, R1C1=2, R1C6=5, R1C4=3. I used Naked single, Naked single, Naked single, Naked single. The naked single at R1C3 opened the chain.
Next 4 fills: R2C2=4, R2C5=1, R3C1=6, R4C1=3. I used Naked single, Naked single, Naked single, Naked single. The naked single at R2C2 opened the chain.
Next 4 fills: R4C6=4, R3C4=5, R3C3=4, R3C6=1. I used Naked single, Naked single, Naked single, Naked single. The naked single at R4C6 opened the chain.
Next 4 fills: R4C3=5, R4C4=6, R5C2=5, R5C5=6. I used Naked single, Naked single, Naked single, Naked single. The naked single at R4C3 opened the chain.
Next 4 fills: R6C1=1, R6C3=6, R6C4=4, R6C6=2. I used Naked single, Naked single, Naked single, Naked single. The naked single at R6C1 opened the chain.
Mid-solve checkpoint: 10 cells remain after the first half of the chain. Row-scan heavy boards often accelerate once two or three regions close — watch for hidden singles in tight blocks.
Late game: final batches collapse quickly when rows and columns near completion. Every row, column, and region contains digits 1–6 with no repeats. Completed path: R1C3=1, R1C1=2, R1C6=5, R1C4=3, R2C2=4, R2C5=1, R3C1=6, R4C1=3, R4C6=4, R3C4=5, R3C3=4, R3C6=1, R4C3=5, R4C4=6, R5C2=5, R5C5=6, R6C1=1, R6C3=6, R6C4=4, R6C6=2.
Board done — every unit checks out. Most fills come from scanning rows and columns for cells where only one digit fits — classic naked-single territory. Replay without hints using the same scan order.