How to Solve Kakuro: Step-by-Step Tutorial
A hands-on walkthrough of solving a real Kakuro puzzle from the first cell to the last. Follow along at your own pace.
Time to learn how to solve kakuro hands-on. We will walk through a real 6 by 6 puzzle. Each step shows what to look for and why. Print a blank grid or open one in the KakuroZen app and follow along.
Step 1: scan for unique sums
Look for sums that lock in only one set of digits. A 2-cell run with a sum of 3 must be 1 and 2. A 2-cell run with a sum of 17 must be 8 and 9. Fill these first.
These cells are gifts from the puzzle. They give you a foothold.
Step 2: write pencil marks in every empty cell
In each open cell, write tiny candidate digits. Use 1 through 9 as a default, then cross off digits that cannot fit because of the run rules.
For a 3-cell run with a sum of 6, only 1, 2, and 3 can fit. So write 1, 2, 3 in each of those cells.
Step 3: cross-check across and down
Every white cell sits in two runs. The digit you write must work for both. Look at the candidates from the across clue. Look at the candidates from the down clue. The match is your answer.
Example: across candidates are 2 or 5. Down candidates are 5 or 9. The cell is 5.
Step 4: use kakuro combinations as you go
Keep a kakuro combinations cheat sheet open. For each run, write the possible digit sets. Look for digits that show up in every set. Those are locked.
A 4-cell run with sum 10 has only one combo: 1, 2, 3, 4. So all four cells must hold those digits in some order. Now cross-check to find the order.
Step 5: when stuck, look at long runs
Long runs (5 cells or more) feel scary but have less freedom. A 5-cell run with sum 35 must include the digits 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The only freedom is the order.
Short runs and long runs are easier than mid-length runs. Work them first.
Step 6: check your work
Once the grid is full, add each across run. Add each down run. Every sum should match the clue. If one does not, find the error and fix it.
Use a pencil. Mistakes happen. Erasing beats starting over.
Step 7: pick a harder puzzle
Done with your first puzzle? Try a slightly harder one. The skills carry over. Within a week, you will solve the same size grid in half the time.