Game guide · MXZTJ
Your guide to 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
A focus for your next round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Understand the aim
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.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
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.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. No download or player account is required.
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.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
Can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. You can start a new round from the game controls.