Game guide · SYNTAXCODER
Kakurasu: a guide for your next round
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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. 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.
Give this approach a try
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
What you need to achieve
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Making selections and moves
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One way to understand the rules
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
Read the position before choosing your next action. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. The game area remains available above the explanation.
If you are unsure
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.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. 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. No download or player account is required.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
What does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
