How to Play Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · QCYANGCHU

Making your first moves in Kakuro

Take a moment with Kakuro before moving to another game. Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.

Practise sums on twelve small, unblocked 4×4 grids. These teaching boards use whole-row and whole-column totals rather than the blocked runs of classic Kakuro.

A focus for your next round

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Making your moves

1. Compare a row total with its fixed entries.
2. Use the column total for the same blank.
3. Enter digits 1–9.
4. Check puzzle verifies totals and non-repetition.

Using the playing area

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A closer look at one example

A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Read the matching step again.

Pay attention to this rule

Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Further help with the game