Game guide · CXCWGS
An introduction to playing Kakurasu
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. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Follow the example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
An important reminder
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.
More answers before you play
During a round, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. No download or player account is required.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
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.
During a round, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The controls work with mouse or touch.