Game guide · GZFDWZ
How to play Kakurasu
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation. A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom.
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
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.
Your goal
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Step by step
- 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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
A closer look at one 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.
One detail worth checking
Check the rule below as you play. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Read these answers for extra help
During a round, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The instructions above use these same rules.