How to Play Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · ODMON

How to play Kakuro

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. Look at what changes after your first action. Check the rule that explains your first action. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

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 careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

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. 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. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

Common questions