How to Play Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · SJZYCGG

How to play Kakuro

Bring your attention to one round of Kakuro. 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. 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 useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.

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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Use one clear input at a time.

A useful example

A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. 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. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions