How to Play Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · TJHAIZHONG

Start Kakuro by looking at the playing area and its controls. Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

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 useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

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

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Use the control method described here for this activity. Look at the feedback after the action.

A useful example

A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the controls nearby.

Watch out for this

Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions

On this playing page, what is the goal of Kakuro?

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals.

How do I control Kakuro?

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

While learning, what example helps explain Kakuro?

For clarity: A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell.

As a new player, what should I watch out for in Kakuro?

Here is the relevant explanation: Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches.

While reading the Guide, what format does Kakuro offer?

Keep this in mind: 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.

As a new player, which play mode does Kakuro use?

Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.