Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · SDYZ85

How to play Kakuro

Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Kakuro. Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Look at what changes after your first action. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. 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.

Focus on one rule

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Keep the objective visible.

Your goal

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Step by step

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.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

A useful 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.

Watch out for this

Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches. Compare the situation with the worked example. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions