Game guide · MAUFITZ
Kakurasu: from controls to your first round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
Build familiarity through play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals.
What you are aiming for
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The playing sequence
- A 5×5 grid shows target sums at the right and bottom.
- A marked cell contributes its column number to its row sum, and its row number to its column sum.
- Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals.
- Match all rows and columns to complete the puzzle. Each generated puzzle is checked to have one solution.
Using the playing area
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
An example before you play
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Marking columns 2 and 5 in the same row gives that row a total of 7. A mark in row 3 contributes 3 to its column. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Where a round can go wrong
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, can you show an example?
Marking columns 2 and 5 in the same row gives that row a total of 7. A mark in row 3 contributes 3 to its column. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, what rules and limits are used here?
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. No download or player account is required.
During a round, why can row and column contributions differ?
A square in row 2, column 5 contributes 5 to its row and 2 to its column. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, does each generated puzzle have one solution?
The generator searches the row-mask combinations and only accepts a puzzle with exactly one solution. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. You can start a new round from the game controls.