Kakuro
Often referred to as crosswords with numbers, Kakuros look seriously scary at first glance. But looks can be deceptive, because although these fiendishly addictive brainteasers are challenging, they're also incredibly entertaining. We guarantee you'll be hooked the second you grasp the concept
How to...
The aim of the game is to fill in the blank squares so that the numbers in each vertical and horizontal line total the amount shown in the clue boxes on either side. To give the game a Su Doku-esque touch, you can only use the numbers 1 to 9. To add to the confusion, you can't use the same number more than once in any line.
Whereas solving a Su Doku involves permutations, Kakuros are more about combinations. They're also about establishing which numbers are the only ones that fit inside other numbers. Allow us to explain.
Click in the box and type in the number. If you make a mistake just click in the box and delete.
Example 1
The smallest numbers that can occur in the shaded clue areas of any Kakuro are 3 and 4, and they will always be next to two blank squares. That's because the two smallest numbers that add up to 3 are 1 and 2. And the only combo for 4 is 1 and 3 (remember, you can't repeat numbers).
In this example we can see that the 3 column and the 4 row cross over each other. We know that the two blanks in the 3 column must be 1 and 2, but which way round do they go? Think about it: there are two ways to split the number 4 but we can't use 2 and 2. Therefore we must use 1 and 3 and place the 1 in the intersecting space.
Example 2
This technique can also be applied to the highest values. Take a look at this example. You don't even need to be particularly good at arithmetic to work out which numbers go where once you get to grips with this logical system.
Example 3
There are loads of different preset combinations that can help you solve a Kakuro. Once you have a few it's just a matter of cross checking the numbers to make sure they tally. Here are a few to get you started: