Learn to solve

How to Solve Kakuro

Six short lessons, each with a live puzzle you can watch being solved step by step. Start from the beginning or jump to any strategy.

Unique Combinations

Some sum + run-length pairs have only one possible set of digits. Recognising these locks in values immediately — no guessing needed.

Candidate Lists

When no unique combination exists, list every valid digit set for each run. Then use intersecting clues to cross candidates off until one remains.

When two candidate orderings for a run both place the same digit in the same position, that cell is solved — no matter which ordering turns out to be correct.

Min / Max Bounds

Every run has a minimum (1+2+…+n) and maximum (9+8+…+(10−n)) possible sum. When a clue sits at one of these extremes, the digit set collapses instantly.

Odd totals require an odd count of odd digits; even totals require an even count. This parity rule eliminates entire candidate sets without listing combinations.

Subset Sum Elimination

Once some cells in a run are known, subtract their total from the clue to reveal the remainder. This cascades across the board — each solved cell unlocks more.