How to Play Kakuro

THE PLAYBOOK · ZZOMY

Kakuro: from controls to your first round

Open Kakuro, check the instructions and begin a round. Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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.

Something to practise

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Refer to the controls when needed.

What you are aiming for

Complete a 4×4 sum grid with digits 1–9, no repeats in any row or column, and the displayed totals. Keep that objective in view throughout 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.

Your inputs

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

See the idea in action

A row total 18 with fixed values 2, 4 and 7 requires 5 in the remaining cell. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the controls nearby.

A useful caution

Repeated digits in a run are forbidden even when the sum matches. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Read these answers for extra help