Game guide · RJCWPX
Learn the rules of 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.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
Try a more deliberate round
Take a moment to check the current turn. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The objective of a round
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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Work through an example
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One detail worth checking
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
If you are unsure
For this game, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, 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.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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.
On this page, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
Does each generated puzzle have one solution?
The generator searches the row-mask combinations and only accepts a puzzle with exactly one solution. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The controls work with mouse or touch.
