Kakuro: how to play

Kakuro is a crossword made of sums, hosted by Kip. Fill the white squares with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each run across and down adds up to the clue in the dark square beside it, without using a number twice in a run. Five daily grids grow from 4×4 to 8×8, and every one has exactly one answer that logic reaches without guessing.

How to play

• Dark squares are split by a diagonal: the number in the top-right half is the total of the run going across, the one in the bottom-left half the total of the run going down.
• Use only 1–9, and never the same number twice in one run.
• Tap a white square, then a number button, or use the arrow keys (they skip the clue squares) and 1–9.
• A wrong number costs one of your three hearts and doesn't stay. There's no clock, but a quick solve earns a bonus.
• Press NOTES (or N, or hold Shift with a number) to pencil in what could fit. Backspace clears a square's notes.
• Each number scores 10, each finished run 5 a square, and each solved grid a bonus.

The five levels

1. Neon City: a small 4×4 grid: each run adds up to its clue
2. Rooftops: 5×5 with magic sums that have only one answer
3. Sewer: 6×6: where two runs cross, the number must fit both
4. Robot Factory: 7×7 with longer runs: notes help
5. Glitch Zone: 8×8, the biggest grid, with few magic sums

Clear the Glitch Zone and the levels loop again with every grid one size bigger (up to 8×8) and few magic sums. You have three hearts for the whole run, and the game is the same for everyone each day, so you can compare scores. Press M to turn the sound off or on.

Tips

• Learn the magic sums: 3 in two squares is 1 + 2, 4 is 1 + 3, 16 is 7 + 9 and 17 is 8 + 9.
• Start where a short run crosses a long one: the crossing square has to fit both.
• A run of nine squares that adds up to 45 uses every number once.

Questions

What is Kakuro?

A number puzzle laid out like a crossword. Instead of words, each run of squares must add up to its clue, with no number repeated.

Do I have to guess?

No. Each grid is checked by a logic solver as it's made, so it has exactly one answer you can reach by logic.

What are magic sums?

Totals that can only be made one way, like 3 in two squares (1 + 2) or 24 in three squares (7 + 8 + 9). They're the easiest place to start.

Is it free?

Yes. Kakuro is free in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download.