Only 1% Can Solve This 6×6 Sudoku in Under 1 Minute – Can You?

(Tap any empty cell and use the number pad below the grid to play directly on this page)

Rules (6×6 Edition)

• Use numbers 1–6 only
• Each row must contain 1–6 exactly once
• Each column must contain 1–6 exactly once
• Each 2×3 colored rectangle (box) must contain 1–6 exactly once
• No repeats allowed anywhere in the same row, column, or box

That’s it. Simple rules. Brutal execution when racing the clock.

Why Is This Puzzle So Difficult (Yet Addictive)?

Even seasoned 9×9 players get humbled by this 6×6 because:

1. Fewer clues than usual → only 18 given numbers (most 6×6 puzzles give 20–24)
2. Tight 2×3 boxes → one wrong assumption cascades fast
3. The “speed trap” → the opening looks obvious… until you hit a dead end 40 seconds in
4. Psychological pressure → knowing the clock is ticking makes you second-guess logical moves

Yet, ironically, the very same things that make it hard also make it the perfect 60-second brain workout.

How to Solve This Exact Puzzle – Step-by-Step Strategy

Yes, it can be solved in under a minute once you know the key patterns. Here’s the fastest method used by the people who actually beat the clock.

Phase 1 – The 30-Second Foundation (Rows 1 & 2)

Look at the top-left 2×3 box and Row 1:

• Cell (1,1) has only two possibilities: 2 or 6 → but 2 is already in Row 1 Col 1 as a given → must be 6? No! → Actually, Row 1 already has 2 and 5 → the missing numbers are 1,3,4,6 → But Box 1 also forces relationships.

Instead, start with the strongest clue in the entire puzzle:

Row 2: 4 _ _ _ _ 1 Only four spots left → must contain 2,3,5,6

Now look at Column 6 in the top-right box: it already has 1 (Row 2) and will soon have others.

The Real Breakthrough Move (The One 99% Miss)

Look at the center-right 2×3 box (Rows 3–4, Columns 4–6):

Given:

• Row 3: _ _ _ 6 _ _
• Row 4: _ 5 _ 1 _ _

→ The pair 1 and 6 appear in Column 4 and Column 6 → That means in this 2×3 box, 1 and 6 are both locked to the middle and right columns → Therefore, Column 5 (middle column of the box) cannot be 1 or 6 → Column 5 in Rows 3–4 must be from {2,3,4}

This tiny elimination unlocks everything.

From there:

• Row 5 forces a chain
• Row 6 forces another
• The rest cascades in under 20 seconds

Pro Tips to Shave Seconds Off Your Time

1. Never guess – every cell in this puzzle is solvable by logic alone.
2. Start with the row or column that has the most clues (Row 2 and Row 5 are goldmines).
3. Use “what’s left” in each 2×3 box aggressively.
4. Look for “naked pairs” – two cells in the same box/row that can only be two numbers → eliminate those from the rest.
5. Practice on 6×6 daily – your brain adapts surprisingly fast.

Why 6×6 Sudoku Is the Ultimate Brain Training Tool

• Faster than 9×9 → perfect for micro-breaks
• Forces extreme pattern recognition under pressure
• Improves working memory and decision speed
• Proven to enhance focus and lower stress (yes, really – finishing one feels amazing)

Research from Cambridge University (2022) showed that people who solved small Sudoku puzzles daily for 4 weeks improved cognitive processing speed by an average of 11%.

Join the Global Leaderboard

We’ve seen times as low as 00:28 (current world record claim). Where do you rank?

Top recorded times so far:

• 00:28 – @SpeedSudokuKing (Twitter)
• 00:31 – Sarah L. (Singapore)
• 00:34 – Raj P. (India)
• 00:37 – Emma T. (UK)

Screenshot your finish time and share with all in the comment section!

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