Game guide · 400286
Kakurasu: learn through an example
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation. A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
Practice beyond the first move
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Aim for this result
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Start here and follow along
- A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom.
- A marked cell contributes its column number to its row sum, and its row number to its column sum.
- Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals.
- Match all rows and columns to complete the puzzle. Each generated puzzle is checked to have one solution.
The controls to know
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful example
Check the rule below as you play. Marking columns 2 and 5 in the same row gives that row a total of 7. A mark in row 3 contributes 3 to its column. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A common point of confusion
Check the rule below as you play. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Common questions
During a round, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can you show an example?
Marking columns 2 and 5 in the same row gives that row a total of 7. A mark in row 3 contributes 3 to its column. No download or player account is required.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. The instructions above use these same rules.
What rules and limits are used here?
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, why can row and column contributions differ?
A square in row 2, column 5 contributes 5 to its row and 2 to its column. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, does each generated puzzle have one solution?
The generator searches the row-mask combinations and only accepts a puzzle with exactly one solution. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The instructions above use these same rules.