What Is a Kakuro?
Kakuro is a logic puzzle that feels a bit like a crossword, but with numbers. Each white cell contains a digit from 1 to 9. In every run of connected white cells, the digits must add up to the clue sum, and no digit can repeat inside that run.
Video walkthrough:
How to Read the Clues
Black clue cells show a target sum and a direction. The sum applies only to the white cells in that direction.
- Across 16 – the white cells to the right must total 16.
- Down 7 – the white cells below must total 7.
Solving Strategies
Start with runs that have very few valid combinations. For example, 3 in two cells can only be 1 and 2. A bigger sum can be just as restrictive. For instance, 16 in two cells can only be 7 and 9.
Cross-check every shared cell. When an across run and a down run intersect, the options for that cell must satisfy both sums, so each clue helps narrow the other.
Use our sum-cheat-sheet to see every unique digit combination for sums 3 through 45. Keep it open while you solve Kakuro so you can spot valid pairs and triplets, then use small pencil marks (candidates) in each cell. As soon as a digit becomes impossible due to the sum or the no-repeat rule, erase it. This is most of the game.
Tips for Beginners
- Pick runs with the fewest options first (example: 4 in two cells is only 1 and 3).
- Remember: digits cannot repeat within the same run.
- Write candidates lightly so it is easy to update them.
- Keep switching between across and down clues. Intersections do the heavy lifting.
- If you feel stuck, look for a run where only one digit fits in a specific cell.
Practice Makes Perfect
Start with small grids and lower sums so you learn the common combinations quickly. Then move up in size and difficulty. With clean candidate tracking and steady cross-checking, you can solve without guessing.
If you want to explore more puzzle types and solving methods? Check out our other puzzle tutorials here: https://puzzlebinder.com/tutorials/.
Happy solving!