Game guide · XJBILLIARDS
An introduction to playing Kakurasu
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Your objective
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The steps to play
- 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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board.
Follow the example
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
A common point of confusion
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Helpful answers for players
During a round, 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.
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.
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.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, 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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.