Game guide · XINHENGEST
Find your footing in 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. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What you need to achieve
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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 your actions work
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Follow the 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 goal in mind before your next move.
One detail worth checking
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Common questions
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.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. No download or player account is required.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
What does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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.
Can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
