Game guide · HBCYGSL
Getting started with Kakurasu
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. 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.
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What you need to achieve
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
How to use the controls
Take a moment to check the current turn. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board.
A useful 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.
Where a round can go wrong
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Questions that come up during play
During a round, 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.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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. 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. You can start a new round from the game controls.