Game guide · SYXDBZ
How to play Kakurasu
Check the rule below as you play. 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. 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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Understand the aim
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The order of play
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Learn from a sample situation
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
What is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. No download or player account is required.
On this page, 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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, 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.
For this game, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Does each generated puzzle have one solution?
The generator searches the row-mask combinations and only accepts a puzzle with exactly one solution. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. No download or player account is required.
