Game guide · SQXQKJ
Learn your way around Kakurasu
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
One thing to notice as you play
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The objective of a round
Check the rule below as you play. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A closer look at one example
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Common questions
What is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
Which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The instructions above use these same rules.