🔢 Kakuro Guide

Overview

Kakuro is a number puzzle often described as a mathematical crossword. Empty cells must be filled with digits 1-9 so that each horizontal or vertical run of cells adds up to the clue number shown. No digit may repeat within a single run. It combines elements of Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

How to Play

1. Click an empty cell to select it.
2. Type a digit (1-9) to fill the cell.
3. Use arrow keys to navigate between cells.
4. Press Backspace or Delete to clear a cell.
5. Each run of cells must sum to its clue number without repeating digits.
6. The puzzle is solved when all cells are correctly filled.

Rules

• Fill empty cells with digits 1 through 9.
• Each horizontal run must sum to its clue (shown in the bottom-left of clue cells).
• Each vertical run must sum to its clue (shown in the top-right of clue cells).
• No digit may repeat within a single run.

Strategy Tips

• Memorize key sums: "3 in 2" can only be 1+2. "4 in 2" can only be 1+3. "17 in 2" can only be 8+9.
• Start with constrained runs: Short runs with extreme sums have fewer possible combinations.
• Cross-reference: A cell belongs to both a horizontal and vertical run — use both constraints.
• Eliminate possibilities: If one cell in a run must be 9, eliminate 9 from the other cells.
• Use pencil marks: Mentally note which digits are possible in each cell.

Difficulty Levels

• 6×6: Small grid with simpler combinations.
• 8×8: Standard challenge with more intersecting runs.
• 10×10: Large grid requiring advanced combination knowledge.