Game guide · 2COPE
Kakurasu: rules and examples
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Generated 5×5 puzzles with an exact row-mask search for uniqueness before publication to the board. No calibrated difficulty labels.
Practice beyond the first move
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap cells to mark or clear them. Current totals are displayed alongside the target totals.
What you are aiming for
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Controls
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Tap a square to mark or clear it. Undo restores the last state. New puzzle generates another checked board. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
See the idea in action
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Pay attention to this rule
Read the position before choosing your next action. The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Game-specific help
For this game, what is the aim of Kakurasu?
Mark cells so every weighted row total and column total matches its clue. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
The value is the position in the row or column, not a uniform count of marked squares. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, what does a marked square contribute?
Its column number to the row total, and its row number to the column total. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can I clear a square?
Yes. Tap a marked square again, or use Undo. The controls work with mouse or touch.
