Game guide · YXZZZ
Find your footing in Kakurasu
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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 small practice goal
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Aim for this result
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Using the playing area
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
See the idea in action
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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.
Common questions
What is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, does each generated puzzle have one solution?
The generator searches the row-mask combinations and only accepts a puzzle with exactly one solution. No download or player account is required.
For this game, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The instructions above use these same rules.
