Game guide · ZHJW-TNY
Rules, controls and help for Kakurasu
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
A focus for your next round
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.
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Your inputs
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Learn from a sample situation
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.
Check this before moving on
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Common questions
On this page, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
What does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. No download or player account is required.