Game guide · TIANNBO
Learn the rules of Kakurasu
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
A focus for your next round
Read the position before choosing your next action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals.
What the game asks you to do
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue.
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.
Your inputs
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
One way to understand the rules
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A mistake to avoid
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Read these answers for extra help
For this game, 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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. 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. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. You can start a new round from the game controls.