Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · 5438GAME

A practical guide to Kakuro

Try Kakuro at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. 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

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your objective

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

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.

How to use the controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use one clear input at a time.

A closer look at one example

A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Read the matching step again.

A common point of confusion

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.

Read these answers for extra help