Game guide · KSZXDJJ
Learn your way around Kakurasu
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
Something to practise
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
What you are aiming for
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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.
Input guidance
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Work through an example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Check this before moving on
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Questions about this game
During a round, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, 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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, why can row and column contributions differ?
A square in row 2, column 5 contributes 5 to its row and 2 to its column. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, 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 game is played locally in your browser.