Game guide · 20ZL
How to play Kakurasu
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The challenge in front of you
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.
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.
Input guidance
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Work through an example
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
An important reminder
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares.
Questions about this game
During a round, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
During a round, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
